FIFE COUNCIL have agreed a plan which looks to enhance their overall approach to the education and understanding of the history of slavery.

The 'Slavery Action Plan' will include the creation of an educational improvement programme, allowing the history of slavery to be incorporated into Fife schools.

It will also look into identifying any Fife locations which publicly celebrate and/or glorify people or places associated with slavery with recommended actions which are educationally important.

It was proposed by Dunfermline Labour councillor Garry Haldane and seconded by Cllr Derek Noble at last week's full council meeting.

Cllr Haldane said: “In recent months, the topic of slavery has raised its head and a call for action is being heard loud and clear across the world.

"For years and years this issue has either been ignored or forgotten.

"I am not looking to distribute blame or point fingers but we are responsible for the consequences.”

He said that the plan would focus on acknowledging Britain’s contribution to, and involvement with, slavery and would look at tackling the "bias ingrained in society" to tackle further prejudice and racism.

He added:  “Our children will not have the same systemic tribal beliefs that previous generous have had and we do not want to pass this on to future generations.

"We are different but we have the same humanity. We all hurt the same. We all bleed the same and we should all be treated the same.”

Fife Conservatives moved a group amendment against the plan.

Leading the amendment, Cllr Tony Miklinski said: “I fully and absolutely oppose any form of racism wherever and whenever – it’s abhorrent.

"The difference is we don’t agree with the motion. We agree with the motives but not the methodology. We should be looking forward not backwards.”

Cllr Miklinski noted that a slavery action plan did not fit in with the country’s current need for fighting coronavirus.

He commented that efforts should go into improving the  economy and the environment as well as a "levelling up of society that is fairer for all".

He added: “Where does a Slavery Action Plan fit into that?”

Cllr Manekshaw seconded Cllr Miklinski’s amendment, agreeing that priority needed to be given to fighting COVID-19. 

He noted that the history of slavery was already on the curriculum but welcomed any addition to it.

Tory councillors raised concerns that the motion could lead to the tearing down of statues. 

In their amendment, they stated that they agreed with the first black emeritus Professor of Heriot-Watt University, Sir Geoff Palmer, when he said recently: “I don’t want statues taken down. Remove the evidence, remove the deed.”

Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay SNP Cllr David Barratt noted that the Conservatives quoted Sir Geoff in a "limited way" which was "borderline disrespectful".

He said their use of his quote did not take into consideration the scholar’s full argument on racism.

Cllr Haldane said there was no mention of the tearing down of statues in the motion and it would be a welcome addition to the current history syllabus which teaches slavery.

The Slavery Action Plan was carried with 53 votes for the motion and 13 for the amendment.