Hundreds of people in Watford have signed a petition calling for Britain’s colonial history to become part of the school curriculum.

The petition on Parliament’s website, created by Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson, is calling on the Government to create a “far more inclusive curriculum” by making education compulsory on topics such as Britain’s role in colonisation and the transatlantic slave trade.

As of 4pm on Friday, 590 people in the town had signed the petition – among almost 20,000 from across the East of England.

In its first week, the petition secured more than 240,000 signatures nationally, meaning it will be considered for a debate in Westminster.

The petition reads: “By educating on the events of the past, we can forge a better future.

“Colonial powers must own up to their pasts by raising awareness of the forced labour of black people, past and present mistreatment of BAME people, and most importantly, how this contributes to the unfair systems of power at the foundation of our modern society.”

The petition comes following the Black Lives Matter protests around the globe after the death of George Floyd while in police custody.

A cross-party group of more than 30 MPs have already written to education secretary Gavin Williamson calling for a more diverse range of historical perspectives in the curriculum.

Modules such as migration and empire can be taught at Key Stage 3 and 4, but race equality think tank the Runnymede Trust said it was a lottery if they are taught as the decision rests with schools.

Kimberly McIntosh, senior policy officer at Runnymede, added: “The inspirational youth-led campaigns show that young people are hungry to understand our national story in full.

“All children and young people need to feel a sense of belonging, and understand their identities. Having these topics as part of the curriculum would go some way to providing that.”

A Department for Education spokeswoman said: “Racism in all its forms is abhorrent and has no place in our society.

“Schools already play a significant role in teaching children about the importance of respect and tolerance.

“Black history is an important topic which schools can teach to children of all ages as part of the history curriculum.”

To see the petition click here