The University of Liverpool has agreed to rename a building named after William Gladstone due to his links with the slave trade.
Gladstone was known for having “ultra-conservative” views and used his maiden speech in the House of Commons to support his father’s interests, arguing against the abolition of slavery.
When that argument failed, his family received more than £90,000 (approximately £9.5m in today’s terms) as compensation for the slaves that they were forced to free.
Students have been campaigning across the UK for many years to argue that Universities should not be honouring those who benefited from the slave trade.
An open letter written by students to the University said “the move would “show solidarity in the rejection of Black oppression”. The move follows a number of peaceful protests held in the city as a result of the death of George Floyd at the hands of American police officers.
The University agreed to remove the Gladstone name from the building and will work with staff and students to find a more appropriate name.