Preston statue on hit list of anti-racist activists

It comes after a graffiti attack was launched on a similar monument to the two-time Prime Minister and father of British policing in Glasgow.

There have also been calls for two others in Manchester and Leeds to be removed.

Preston’s limestone Peel statue, which has stood in the city centre since 1852, is listed on a website called Topple The Racists which includes an interactive map showing where controversial monuments stand.

Visitors are encouraged to “take down statues and monuments in the UK that celebrate slavery and racism.”

But many feel the Lancashire-born politician has been unfairly included as it was actually his wealthy father, also called Robert, who was actively pro-slavery.

In fact, Peel junior did much good as a politician, repealing the Corn Laws and introducing reforms which limited the number of hours women and children worked.

Coun Matthew Brown, leader of Preston Council, said: “We understand the concerns that are currently being discussed on a national scale, regarding the historic figures honoured by statues and monuments.

"As a council we are proud of Preston’s diversity and we work hard with many organisations to further enhance its inclusivity.

"Moving forward we intend to listen to and work with our local communities to review the appropriateness of local monuments and statues on public land and council property.

“We are also highly supportive of the campaign to ensure the proper commemoration of Edith Rigby a prominent suffragette.”

On Sunday activists toppled the statue of slave trader and philanthropist Edward Colston in Bristol and threw it into the nearby docks.

Other monuments have been attacked by protesters demonstrating under the Black Lives Matter banner.