Why was the Churchill statue boarded up?

Question

Accepted Answer

The Churchill statue was boarded up to prevent vandalism during planned protests.

The statue of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill opposite parliament and the Cenotaph war memorial in central London were boarded up for protection. This action was taken in anticipation of planned demonstrations in the capital. The World War Two leader’s statue on Parliament Square had previously been defaced with graffiti during a protest on Sunday.
Graffiti during Sunday's demonstration
During a demonstration on Sunday, which occurred over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the Churchill statue on Parliament Square was sprayed with graffiti. The spray paint declared Churchill a racist. The protest on Sunday concluded fractiously after being mostly peaceful.
Protection of the Cenotaph
Boarding has also been placed around the base of the Cenotaph on Whitehall. This war memorial is a significant site where government and royal family members attend Remembrance Sunday events to commemorate those killed in World War One and subsequent conflicts.
Broader debate on imperialist past
The death of George Floyd has not only sparked protests across the United States and Europe but has also reignited a debate in Britain concerning monuments to figures associated with the country’s imperialist history. This discussion has led to the removal of sculptures of slave traders and considerations by local authorities to remove other statues, such as one of Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the worldwide scouting movement, to safeguard them.
Upcoming demonstrations and counter-gatherings
Further demonstrations are anticipated, with Black Lives Matter protesters scheduled to gather again in central London. In response, a group identifying as patriots, comprising soccer fans and supporters of right-wing leader Tommy Robinson, have announced plans to gather in London the following day with the stated intention of protecting statues.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Why was the Churchill statue boarded up?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends