London park could be renamed after Diane Abbott following slavery review

London park could be renamed after Diane Abbott following slavery review
London park could be renamed after Diane Abbott following slavery review
Ian West
Carl Bennett

By Carl Bennett


Published: 17/04/2022

- 20:09

Updated: 14/02/2023

- 11:46

Schoolchildren reportedly chose the Labour MP’s name as a replacement for Gladstone Park in Brent

Gladstone Park in Brent is facing a rebrand and could be renamed in honour of Labour MP Diane Abbott following a slavery review by a Labour-run council.

The north west London park was originally named after former prime minister William Gladstone, but could change in 2022.


Brent council asked local schoolchildren aged between five and 13 to suggest new names for the park, with Hackney Labour MP Diane Abbott’s name being amongst them.

Other suggestions, according to The Telegraph, include BAME Park, Multi-faith Park and Diversity Fields.

Diane Abbott speaking during a Stand Up to Racism in July 2021.
Diane Abbott speaking during a Stand Up to Racism in July 2021.
Jonathan Brady

Part of the reasoning for the project is to address “injustice, prejudice and racism” following the Black Lives Matter movement.

Brent Council said William Gladstone is a “historical figure whose views, in association with the slave trade, are inappropriate”. The former prime minister had no role in slavery, however his family did have links

According to the newspaper pupils were shown a video message by Dr Inge Dornan of Brunel University who said: “The Black community in Brent continue to be affected by inequalities.

Schoolchildren reportedly chose the Labour MP\u2019s name as a replacement for Gladstone Park in Brent
Schoolchildren reportedly chose the Labour MP’s name as a replacement for Gladstone Park in Brent
Dominc Lipinski

“The council is talking to local people about what we can all do to address injustice, prejudice and racism.

“As part of this, Brent residents have asked the council to consider renaming Gladstone Park.

“This is because the Gladstone family were involved historically in the transatlantic slave trade.”

Local Conservative Councillor Michael Maurice told the newspaper: “We seem to be living in a society where the innocence of children is being slowly taken away.

“This seems just one more bite at it.

“This is yet another example of left-wing infiltration into our everyday lives.

“The choices given to the children are all politically motivated and leaning quite heavily to the left of the political spectrum.

“To my mind, this could be considered at best political indoctrination and at worst brainwashing.”

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