SCHOOLS WILL teach an “honest” history of the British Empire if Labour are elected, the party has said.

Labour, which published its race and faith manifesto today, said that “understanding the breadth of Britain’s history is crucial to tackling the injustices and racism in our society and around the world that persist today”.

As part of the party’s plans it will ensure the historical injustices of colonialism and the role of the British Empire is properly integrated into the National Curriculum and teach powerful black history.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the Labour Party, said: “Labour is the party of equality and human rights. Our Race and Faith Manifesto presents our unshakable commitment to challenge the inequalities and discrimination that has faced to many communities.

“Whatever your background, wherever you are from, whatever your faith or religious belief, you should have the chance to use your talents to fulfil your potential. Labour will tackle head on the barriers that have unfairly held back so many people and communities.”

The race and faith manifesto was created following a consultation launched by MP Dawn Butler at the Labour Party conference in September.

Butler, Labour’s shadow equalities and women’s secretary, who is launching the manifesto alongside Corbyn and Diane Abbott at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre, said: “We have heard from people all over the country who are passionate about their communities and want to work together with Labour to tackle the issues affecting them.

She added: “Only by acknowledging the historical injustices faced by our communities can we work towards a better future that is prosperous for all, that isn’t blighted by austerity and the politics of fear.”

The proposed policies include the creation of an Emancipation Educational Trust, an extension to the pay gap reporting to cover black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups and tackle race-related pay discrimination and a review of the underrepresentation of BAME teachers in schools.

In its announcement of the proposals, the Labour Party criticised the Conservatives immigration policies and contribution to the Windrush scandal and said it would get rid of rip-off charges for passports, visas, tests and other documentation imposed by the Home Office.