Lancaster University launches review of David Starkey's honorary award after "so many damn blacks" comment

David Starkey has also resigned his honorary fellowship at a Cambridge college after he said slavery was not genocide because there are "so many damn blacks" still around.

Starkey made the remarks during an online interview with Brexit campaigner Darren Grimes for YouTube channel Reasoned UK.

During the interview, Starkey said: "Slavery was not genocide, otherwise there wouldn't be so many damn blacks in Africa or in Britain, would there?

"An awful lot of them survived and again there's no point in arguing against globalisation or Western civilisation. They are all products of it, we are all products of it.

"The honest teaching of the British Empire is to say, quite simply, it is the first key stage of our globalisation. It is probably the most important moment in human history and it is still with us."

The interview has sparked a backlash - including from former chancellor Sajid Javid, who said Starkey's "racist" comments were a "reminder of the appalling views that still exist".

Starkey has been contacted for comment.

The Master of Fitzwilliam College contacted the historian following his remarks and he has now resigned from his position with immediate effect.

Canterbury Christ Church University has also terminated Starkey's role as visiting professor, adding that his comments are "completely unacceptable".

Fitzwilliam College at Cambridge University said it will "not tolerate racism", adding that honorary fellows are expected to uphold the college's values.