David Olusoga: UK is the Last Country in the British Empire
Historian David Olusoga compares the UK to the last person at a party, suggesting it is the only remaining country in the British empire needing to liberate itself from its historical narrative. He argues that Britain’s imperial past distorts its self-perception and national honors. Author Sathnam Sanghera adds that Britain has never fully accounted for its colonial actions, citing the 1997 Hong Kong handover as an example.
Historian David Olusoga has compared the UK to the last person at a party, suggesting it is the only remaining country in the British empire yet to liberate itself from its historical narrative.
Speaking at the Hay festival, Olusoga argued that Britain's self-perception is distorted by its imperial past, affecting its institutions and national honors.
Author Sathnam Sanghera echoed this sentiment, noting Britain's lack of accountability for its colonial actions, citing the 1997 handover of Hong Kong as an example.
Both historians emphasize the need for the UK to critically reflect on its history, with Olusoga highlighting the absence of an empire museum in Britain.
Speaking at the Hay festival, Olusoga argued that Britain's self-perception is distorted by its imperial past, affecting its institutions and national honors.
Author Sathnam Sanghera echoed this sentiment, noting Britain's lack of accountability for its colonial actions, citing the 1997 handover of Hong Kong as an example.
Both historians emphasize the need for the UK to critically reflect on its history, with Olusoga highlighting the absence of an empire museum in Britain.
