Black History Month

Rachel Blake Excerpts

Thursday 22nd October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Florence Eshalomi]

I thank my hon. Friend for making that point. I praise the efforts of Nubian Jak and Jak Beula’s work across not just London but the UK in recognising black Britons and their achievements.

In the face of barriers, both conscious and subconscious, black Britons have driven lasting, positive change in every community: change that has profoundly shaped the arts and culture of this country, that has made our politics more responsive and more representative, and that reminds us time and again that Britain’s historical and present diversity is a strength—something not to be torn down, but to be cherished and invested in.

When we speak about honouring our communities, we are talking about the individuals across Britain who made them. Our national story is incomplete without the story of Mary Seacole, whose statue stands proudly in the gardens of St Thomas’ hospital just over Westminster bridge. That powerful landmark in my constituency continues to remind me of the values and aspirations that I came to this House to represent.

[Rachel Blake (Cities of London and Westminster) (Lab/Co-op)]

I hope that my hon. Friend has the chance for some refreshment because I am a bit concerned about her cold. Our constituencies have so much in common, and I consider her a really good friend. She speaks about Mary Seacole, who also spent many of her days in Soho Square in my constituency. Given the theme of this Black History Month, I also want to reflect on the blue plaques before we move on. I am very proud to represent a place where Ottobah Cugoano, an anti-slavery campaigner, lived, in Pall Mall. Over Black History Month, I will be spending time telling that story of his campaigning and ensuring that it is well recognised. On the incredible culture we need to remember during Black History Month, I also want to remember Winifred Atwell, the first black artist to have a No. 1 single, who lived in Mayfair in my constituency. It is a real honour to represent such a diverse constituency with such a proud history of black Londoners and black British people. I am grateful to my hon. Friend for the testimony she brings to this debate—and I hope she has been able to have a lot of water during my intervention!

[Florence Eshalomi]

I thank my constituency neighbour and want to recognise the many black Britons across not just London, but right across the UK who continue to be celebrated and remembered by hon. and right hon. Members from across the House. I felt immense pride at being able to choose the statue of Mary Seacole as the backdrop for my entry to the 40% Project last year, which photographs female MPs in recognition of the progress we have made towards gender parity in this House.

This year’s theme feels especially relevant to the Windrush generation—so embedded in the fabric of black British history. Their legacy is not only the work they did, but in the communities they nurtured, the opportunities they created and the generations they inspired. Through the Windrush Day grant scheme, places across the country are telling stories in their own words, helping to ensure they are remembered and passed on. Their courage, perseverance and determination opened the doors for future generations, and that legacy continues to enrich our shared national history.

But the Windrush stories also tell us that we cannot ignore the struggles we still face today. Black Britons still face deep systemic challenges every day, and although this Government are committed to tackling racial inequality and racism, it is our local communities who are on the frontlines. We need only glance online to see the racist rhetoric that has sadly been normalised. If anyone does not believe this, we just need to look at the racism—and let’s call it what it is—that my hon. Friend the Member for Holborn and St Pancras (Sagal Abdi-Wali) faced after she was announced as the candidate in the recent by-election. This type of politics has no place in our democracy, and I hope the whole House will join me in condemning it. Thankfully, my hon. Friend was undeterred and went on to win resounding support from her community, and I welcome her again to her rightful place on these Benches.

I want to praise the Leader of the Opposition for her comments during her conference speech. We can disagree about things in society, but we should never normalise questioning someone’s loyalty or nationality based on the colour of their skin. We see the horrific consequences of this in the news far too often, and I want to take a moment to recognise and remember Jason Arday. His tragic death must be a call to action for all of us. I worked with Jason when I led as the project manager at the Runnymede Trust. Jason was one of the youngest board members.