Children used to stage mock trial of Tory MP

A human rights lawyer has been accused of “brainwashing” schoolchildren after they took part in the mock trial of a Conservative MP over his family’s links to slavery.

Clive Stafford Smith organised fictitious legal proceedings against Richard Drax using 40 pupils aged between 12 and 18. Mr Drax, who was charged with “benefiting from the proceeds of slavery”, turned down an invitation to defend himself at the imitation court at Bridport Town Hall.

Chris Mcgovern, the chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, said: “This is an example of out of control brainwashing and it should not be allowed.” Mr Drax declined to comment.

Mr Stafford Smith said: “I think the younger generation should be angry because a lot of them don’t understand how their chances in life have been diminished by my generation.”