News / Edward Colston
Queen’s representative in Bristol: ‘We have arrived at a new point’
The lord lieutenant of Bristol has said that the removal of Edward Colston’s statue risks distracting from opportunities to bridge the racial divide.
Peaches Golding is the Queen’s representative in the city and county of Bristol, whose “first and foremost duty is to uphold the dignity of the Crown”.
Lord lieutenants were originally appointed in Henry VIII’s reign, in the 1540s, to take over the military duties of the sheriff and control the military forces of the Crown.
is needed now More than ever
In a statement, Golding, who in 2017 became Bristol’s first ever black female lord lieutenant, said that Colston had become “the lightning rod” for an uncomfortable legacy.
She said: “The unlawful actions of a few have successfully hijacked our attention and are poised to stop us focusing on the real opportunities that are around us.
“Yes, there is more to do. However, we have arrived at a new point. Today there is a greater awareness of how the racial divide drags down society as a whole.
“There is a willingness among the population as a whole to call out injustice, prejudice and racial hatred.
“More importantly, there are those in power that are willing to drive through change to make society better, fairer, more just and productive.
“We can all act to create a better society and it is imperative to so do.”
Main photo: Peaches Golding
Read more: Colston’s statue to be retrieved from docks and put in museum
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