POLITICIANS in Dorset are being asked to stand up to racism in the county - leading Dorset Council to back calls for Black History Month to be added to the curriculum at local schools and colleges.

Campaign group Stand Up to Racism Dorset has asked councillors and MPs to use their powers to keep up the momentum after rallies of an 'unprecedented' scale and energy took place across the county.

In a statement, the group reminded elected representatives of the strong support for 'Black Lives Matter' protests, with thousands joining events in Weymouth, Dorchester, Swanage, Bridport - some of which were organised by local young people, the group said.

Lynne Hubbard of Stand Up To Racism Dorset said: "Black History Month is part of the curriculum for many schools and colleges across the UK – but not in Dorset, where our children rarely learn about Black experiences past and present.

"Effective opposition to racism starts with education - we ask Dorset Council to take the lead."

Cllr Andrew Parry, Portfolio Holder for Education, Children and Early Help, replied: “Dorset Council is absolutely committed to supporting the fair treatment and equal value of all people in Dorset. We seek to combat prejudice and inequality at every opportunity. We have seen and heard the voice of the Black community both here in Dorset and internationally.

“Our schools, academy trusts and colleges stand against racism in all its forms. Both in formal teaching and through wider cross curricular approaches, schools promote fairness in society and the value of all people. Schools determine their curriculums locally with headteachers and governors having responsibility for these within the framework of national policy.

“As a council we would encourage all our schools to engage with Black History Month, but more than this, we want our young people to understand the issues faced by people experiencing discrimination and injustice in society today. It is essential that we help our young people to be able to understand the events occurring in the world where we live, to recognise racism and to take an active part in working towards a more tolerant society.”

The group also asked Dorset's MPs to sign a call for the House of Commons to support the Black Lives Matter campaign, and a call for the UK to stop selling teargas, riot shields and rubber bullets to the United States, where police forces have been clashing with protesters following the killing of Black man George Floyd by police.

Both Richard Drax MP and Chris Loder MP said they would decline, each saying that they "do not sign Early Day Motions."

Mr Drax added: "I should not have to say this because any decent-minded person would already think and act on it, but I will always stand up against discrimination, wherever it is found and whoever it is directed at."

Meanwhile, Mr Loder said: "I condemn racism in any form but prefer action over words. I encourage constituents who experience racism to contact me directly so that action can be taken."