Thousands gather to call for removal of imperialist statue

PROTEST: Campaigners say figure represents white supremacy and racism

Thousands of people gathered outside an Oxford college last night to demand the removal of a statue of imperialist Cecil Rhodes.

A group of councillors earlier backed the campaign to remove it and called on Oxford University to “decolonise”.

Twenty-six Oxford city councillors signed a letter saying the figure at Oriel College was “incompatible” with the city’s “commitment to anti-racism”.

Oriel College said it supported the “right to peaceful protest”.

Campaigners said Rhodes, a 19th Century businessman and politician in southern Africa, represented white supremacy and is steeped in racism.

Organisers from the Rhodes Must Fall group drew chalk crosses on either side of the street outside the college’s entrance to enforce social distancing.

Waqas Mirza, Oxford student and one of the hosts of the Uncomfortable Oxford walking tour, which highlights the “legacy of inequality” in the city, spoke to demonstrators.

He told the crowd: “We look up to be inspired, we look up for gods and you give us this murderer.”

Several demonstrators have referenced reports that Oriel College refused to remove the statue in 2016 due to fears that donors would distance themselves from the college.

Mr Mirza added: “Maybe you should think more wisely about where your donations come from.”

Protesters chanted “take it down” and then held a silence for 8 minutes and 46 seconds in memory of George Floyd – the same length of time a white police officer was seen to kneel on his neck.

The demonstration coincided with the private funeral of Mr Floyd in Houston last night. In London about 50 activists gathered in Parliament Square.

The Oxford demonstration ended with people leaving their signs on the outside of the building.

Picture: PA. Protesters outside Oriel College.