British street artist Banksy has designed T-shirts to help protesters facing trial over the removal of a slave trader statue.

He took to Instagram and wrote "People of colour are being failed by the system. The white system."

"Like a broken pipe flooding the apartment of the people living downstairs. This faulty system is making their life a misery, but it's not their job to fix it.... this is a white problem."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/love-is-in-the-bin-british-artist-banksys-half-shredded-picture-sells-for-record-25-million-420854">Also read |&nbsp;'Love is in the Bin:' British artist Banksy's half-shredded picture sells for record $25 million</a>

He called the T-shirts his souvenir to "mark the occasion" of the trial of the people who toppled the statue of Edward Colston.

They cost £25 ($33) and will be available in several outlets of Bristol.

Anti-racism protesters who tore down a statue honouring a slave trader in a British port city have fuelled a hot global debate over how to deal with monuments to historic figures who profited from enslaving African people.

Famously called the ‘Colston Four,’ they include Rhian Graham, Jake Skuse, Sage Willoughby, and Milo Ponsford.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-say-what-christopher-walken-painted--over-a-real-banksy-piece-for-a-tv-show-428641">Also read |&nbsp;Say what? Christopher Walken painted over a real Banksy piece for a TV show</a>

The toppling of the statue of Edward Colston, who made a fortune in the 17th century from trading in West African slaves, was condemned as petty vandalism by critics, while others hailed it as affirmative action against racist ideologies.

"It was an absolutely incredible feat that really shows the importance of us knowing our history," said Aliyah Hasinah, a curator and spokeswoman for protest group Black Lives Matter UK.

"Public art absolutely has an impact on our imagination and what we believe is at the core of our society because it's what we hail as important," she said.

"That's why so many people politely petitioned to get the Colston statue removed ... They weren't listened to, so the city of Bristol made their voices heard in another way."

Colston's statue was pulled down by protesters joining a wave of worldwide demonstrations against racial inequality triggered by the death of unarmed black man George Floyd at the hands of US&nbsp;police.

But the debate over building and monuments named after people involved in the trans-Atlantic slave trade has been brewing for some years fuelled by the world's recently adopted drive to end modern slavery.

Campaigners had previously called for the statue,&nbsp;still bearing a plaque describing Colston as "virtuous and wise,"&nbsp;to be removed, but had failed to persuade the authorities.

(With inputs from agencies)

British street artist Banksy has designed T-shirts to help protesters facing trial over the removal of a slave trader statue. He took to Instagram and wrote "People of colour are being failed by the system.

British street artist Banksy has designed T-shirts to help protesters facing trial over the removal of a slave trader statue. He took to Instagram and wrote "People of colour are being failed by the system. The white system." "Like a broken pipe flooding the apartment of the people living downstairs. This faulty system is making their life a misery, but it's not their job to fix it.... this is a white problem." Also read | 'Love is in the Bin:' British artist Banksy's half-shredded picture sells for record $25 million He called the T-shirts his souvenir to "mark the occasion" of the trial of the people who toppled the statue of Edward Colston. They cost £25 ($33) and will be available in several outlets of Bristol. Anti-racism protesters who tore down a statue honouring a slave trader in a British port city have fuelled a hot global debate over how to deal with monuments to historic figures who profited from enslaving African people. Famously called the ‘Colston Four,’ they include Rhian Graham, Jake Skuse, Sage Willoughby, and Milo Ponsford. Also read | Say what? Christopher Walken painted over a real Banksy piece for a TV show The toppling of the statue of Edward Colston, who made a fortune in the 17th century from trading in West African slaves, was condemned as petty vandalism by critics, while others hailed it as affirmative action against racist ideologies. "It was an absolutely incredible feat that really shows the importance of us knowing our history," said Aliyah Hasinah, a curator and spokeswoman for protest group Black Lives Matter UK. "Public art absolutely has an impact on our imagination and what we believe is at the core of our society because it's what we hail as important," she said. "That's why so many people politely petitioned to get the Colston statue removed ... They weren't listened to, so the city of Bristol made their voices heard in another way." Colston's statue was pulled down by protesters joining a wave of worldwide demonstrations against racial inequality triggered by the death of unarmed black man George Floyd at the hands of US police. But the debate over building and monuments named after people involved in the trans-Atlantic slave trade has been brewing for some years fuelled by the world's recently adopted drive to end modern slavery. Campaigners had previously called for the statue, still bearing a plaque describing Colston as "virtuous and wise," to be removed, but had failed to persuade the authorities. (With inputs from agencies)

British street artist Banksy designs T-shirts to help ‘Colston Four’ protesters raise funds

Many in the English city of Bristol reacted with dismay on Thursday after a sculpture of a Black Lives Matter protester, which was erected the day before, was pulled down by city authorities. Artist Marc Quinn created the resin and steel likeness of Jen Reid, a protester photographed standing on the plinth after demonstrators pulled down the statue of slave trader Edward Colston and dumped it in Bristol’s harbor on June 7.

Some in Bristol dismayed by statue removal

The statue of slave trader Edward Colston that was toppled last month has been replaced with a sculpture of the black woman who helped it to pull down. The sculpture was erected on Wednesday without permission and&nbsp;titled&nbsp;"A Surge of Power".&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h6><img alt="WRRG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="209e7571-f4e6-41d1-9212-2e8e52ca48c8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ec8cY8PXsAEZeYp.jpg" />&nbsp; 
Jen Ried during Black Lives Matter protests in Bristol. (@LeftWingSociety/Twiiter)&nbsp;</h6>

The black woman belongs to the&nbsp;"Black Lives Matter" (BLM) protester Jen Reid. A photo made rounds on the internet where she was seen with her fist raised, occupying the plinth where the Edward Colston stood before crowds threw it into Bristol harbour in southwest England.

<img alt="knm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e98b5a68-c55d-4278-8c5b-d0fcb8d66367" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2813%29_18.jpg" />

The sculpture was created by artist Marc Quinn and was erected without the knowledge of Bristol City Council. Reid attended the unveiling and told The Guardian newspaper that it was "just incredible".

"This is going to continue the conversation. I can't see it coming down in a hurry," she said.

<img alt="et" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c9b847ba-4de0-4e59-bffb-d9a7f100e77a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2812%29_18.jpg" />

Previously, a local authority had said that decision to replace the Colston statue would be taken locally, this view reinforced by Bristol mayor Marvin Rees on Wednesday.

In a statement, he said: "The sculpture that has been installed today was the work and decision of a London-based artist. It was not requested and permission was not given for it to be installed."

"The future of the plinth and what is installed on it must be decided by the people of Bristol."

According to the council, a commission will be set up to study and discover the "true history" of Bristol as it was one of the cities in the UK to be involved with the slave trade during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Colston's statue was erected in 1895 until its toppling during the Black Lives Matters protests after an African American George Floyd was killed by police in the US state of Minnesota in May.

The statue of slave trader Edward Colston that was toppled last month has been replaced with a sculpture of the black woman who helped it to pull down. The sculpture was erected on Wednesday without permission and titled "A Surge of Power".

The statue of slave trader Edward Colston that was toppled last month has been replaced with a sculpture of the black woman who helped it to pull down. The sculpture was erected on Wednesday without permission and titled "A Surge of Power". Jen Ried during Black Lives Matter protests in Bristol. (@LeftWingSociety/Twiiter) The black woman belongs to the "Black Lives Matter" (BLM) protester Jen Reid. A photo made rounds on the internet where she was seen with her fist raised, occupying the plinth where the Edward Colston stood before crowds threw it into Bristol harbour in southwest England. The sculpture was created by artist Marc Quinn and was erected without the knowledge of Bristol City Council. Reid attended the unveiling and told The Guardian newspaper that it was "just incredible". "This is going to continue the conversation. I can't see it coming down in a hurry," she said. Previously, a local authority had said that decision to replace the Colston statue would be taken locally, this view reinforced by Bristol mayor Marvin Rees on Wednesday. In a statement, he said: "The sculpture that has been installed today was the work and decision of a London-based artist. It was not requested and permission was not given for it to be installed." "The future of the plinth and what is installed on it must be decided by the people of Bristol." According to the council, a commission will be set up to study and discover the "true history" of Bristol as it was one of the cities in the UK to be involved with the slave trade during the 17th and 18th centuries. Colston's statue was erected in 1895 until its toppling during the Black Lives Matters protests after an African American George Floyd was killed by police in the US state of Minnesota in May.

'A surge of power': BLM protester's sculpture replaces slave trader Edward Colston

The statue of a slave trader, which was earlier toppled, has now been fished out of the harbour as many monuments in the United Kingdom are set to be reviewed amid the nationwide anger against symbols of racism.

Earlier today, the city council said the statue of Edward Colston was retrieved early on Thursday morning and "is being taken to a secure location before later forming part of our museum collection".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/statue-of-christopher-columbus-in-us-toppled-thrown-in-lake-by-anti-racism-protestors-304863">Statue of Christopher Columbus in US toppled, thrown in lake by anti-racism protestors</a>

The statue of Colston, a slave trader in the late 17th century, was taken down on Sunday by the protesters who later dumped it into the water, as part of protests triggered by the killing of a black man in police custody in the United States.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-demand-removal-of-cecil-rhodes-statue-from-oxford-university-304956">Protesters demand removal of Cecil Rhodes statue from Oxford University</a>

Authorities in the seaside town of Bournemouth will later today remove the statue of Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scout movement who also backed the Nazis.

Monuments, landmarks to be reviewed 
&nbsp; 
Meanwhile, the University of Liverpool has said it would rename a building named after former PM William Gladstone because of his connections with the slave trade.

Mayor Marvin Rees, who earlier backed the pull-down of Colston's statue, has announced a new commission to research Bristol's history.&nbsp;

"The only way we can work together on our future is by learning the truth of our beginnings, embracing the facts, and sharing those stories with others," he said.

Also, the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced a review of landmarks and monuments, to see whether they correctly represent the city's diversity.&nbsp;

The statue of a slave trader, which was earlier toppled, has now been fished out of the harbour as many monuments in the United Kingdom are set to be reviewed amid the nationwide anger against symbols of racism.

The statue of a slave trader, which was earlier toppled, has now been fished out of the harbour as many monuments in the United Kingdom are set to be reviewed amid the nationwide anger against symbols of racism. Earlier today, the city council said the statue of Edward Colston was retrieved early on Thursday morning and "is being taken to a secure location before later forming part of our museum collection". Also read | Statue of Christopher Columbus in US toppled, thrown in lake by anti-racism protestors The statue of Colston, a slave trader in the late 17th century, was taken down on Sunday by the protesters who later dumped it into the water, as part of protests triggered by the killing of a black man in police custody in the United States. Also read | Protesters demand removal of Cecil Rhodes statue from Oxford University Authorities in the seaside town of Bournemouth will later today remove the statue of Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scout movement who also backed the Nazis. Monuments, landmarks to be reviewed Meanwhile, the University of Liverpool has said it would rename a building named after former PM William Gladstone because of his connections with the slave trade. Mayor Marvin Rees, who earlier backed the pull-down of Colston's statue, has announced a new commission to research Bristol's history. "The only way we can work together on our future is by learning the truth of our beginnings, embracing the facts, and sharing those stories with others," he said. Also, the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced a review of landmarks and monuments, to see whether they correctly represent the city's diversity.

UK: Edward Colston statue retrieved as many more monuments set to be reviewed

In 1619, Britain sent its first batch of black slaves to America, and now after a little over 400 years, George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis, US.&nbsp;

This was not the first black national who lost his life in the US because of police brutality, but his killing has triggered a mass movement against racism.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-will-happen-to-the-120-year-old-statue-toppled-by-black-lives-matter-protesters-in-uk-304325">What will happen to the 120-year-old statue toppled by Black Lives Matter protesters in UK?</a>

The protests extended beyond American shores and reached the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

From London to Bristol, Manchester to Nottingham, everybody in the chorus is saying "enough is enough". &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The Black Lives Matter campaign gathered thousands in London, where some protesters also clashed with police. Eight policemen were injured and 12 people got arrested.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-black-lives-matter-protests-engulf-the-uk-304377/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

People also protested outside the US Embassy, where they demanded justice for Floyd, with some even chanting 'the UK is not innocent'.&nbsp;

This argument is not wrong as at least 70 per cent ethnic minority workers in the UK say that they have encountered harassment at work, according to a survey on racism at workplace.&nbsp;

As many as 60% say that they have been treated unfairly by their employers.&nbsp;

The UK's situation on racism is no great, on the contrary, worse.&nbsp;

In Westminster, thousands have been protesting against Britain's colonial legacy and on Sunday the protesters defaced the memorial of UK's wartime prime minister Winston Churchill. &nbsp;

Activists surrounded the monument and chanted: 'Churchill was a racist' and sprayed these remarks below Churchill's statue.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Dispersal orders were issued in the city after protesters threw bottles at police officers and by Sunday evening cops in riot gear took position across Westminster.&nbsp;

In Warwickshire county, protesters closed a highway.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Demonstrators brought down a statue of 17th-century slave trader Edward Colston in Bristol. People celebrated by cheering and kneeling on the statue. The statue was rolled through the streets before it found its way in the water.&nbsp;

UK's Home Secretary Priti Patel called the act "utterly disgraceful".&nbsp;

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that people have the right to protest peacefully but those responsible for violence will be held accountable.&nbsp;

The moral of the story is you reap what you sow.&nbsp;

Britain is currently engulfed in the flames of racism, centuries after it set the fire of xenophobia. &nbsp;

In 1619, Britain sent its first batch of black slaves to America, and now after a little over 400 years, George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis, US. This was not the first black national who lost his life in the US because of police brutality, but his killing has triggered a mass movement against racism.

In 1619, Britain sent its first batch of black slaves to America, and now after a little over 400 years, George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis, US. This was not the first black national who lost his life in the US because of police brutality, but his killing has triggered a mass movement against racism. Also read | What will happen to the 120-year-old statue toppled by Black Lives Matter protesters in UK? The protests extended beyond American shores and reached the United Kingdom. From London to Bristol, Manchester to Nottingham, everybody in the chorus is saying "enough is enough". The Black Lives Matter campaign gathered thousands in London, where some protesters also clashed with police. Eight policemen were injured and 12 people got arrested. People also protested outside the US Embassy, where they demanded justice for Floyd, with some even chanting 'the UK is not innocent'. This argument is not wrong as at least 70 per cent ethnic minority workers in the UK say that they have encountered harassment at work, according to a survey on racism at workplace. As many as 60% say that they have been treated unfairly by their employers. The UK's situation on racism is no great, on the contrary, worse. In Westminster, thousands have been protesting against Britain's colonial legacy and on Sunday the protesters defaced the memorial of UK's wartime prime minister Winston Churchill. Activists surrounded the monument and chanted: 'Churchill was a racist' and sprayed these remarks below Churchill's statue. Dispersal orders were issued in the city after protesters threw bottles at police officers and by Sunday evening cops in riot gear took position across Westminster. In Warwickshire county, protesters closed a highway. Demonstrators brought down a statue of 17th-century slave trader Edward Colston in Bristol. People celebrated by cheering and kneeling on the statue. The statue was rolled through the streets before it found its way in the water. UK's Home Secretary Priti Patel called the act "utterly disgraceful". UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that people have the right to protest peacefully but those responsible for violence will be held accountable. The moral of the story is you reap what you sow. Britain is currently engulfed in the flames of racism, centuries after it set the fire of xenophobia.

Why Britain cannot run away from flames of racism it once sowed?

Amid the intensified protests condemning racism, demonstrators in the United Kingdom toppled Edward Colston's statue installed in the southwestern city of Bristol on Sunday.

Watch |&nbsp;

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Colston, whose 18-foot (5.5-metre) bronze statue was taken down, was a slave trader in the 17th century. He was a top official of Royal African Company, which sent hundreds of thousands of men, women and children from West Africa to the Caribbean and the Americas for slavery.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-in-uk-topple-slave-trader-edward-colstons-statue-throw-it-in-harbour-304086">Protesters in UK topple slave trader Edward Colston's statue, throw it in harbour</a>

However, he was also a philanthropist, who donated huge funds to support schools, hospitals, churches, and almshouses in Bristol and his legacy can be seen on Bristol's memorials and streets.&nbsp;

So what will happen&nbsp;to the toppled statue?

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol said that the statue that thrown into the harbour will likely be fished out and find a place in a museum.

"It's still underwater, at some point it will be fished out... we will obviously take the statue out," Rees said, in an interview, to BBC Radio Bristol.&nbsp;

Highlighting that he doesn't support criminal damage, the mayor also said that the toppling is a part of "statue's history', saying that people didn't want it so they gathered together and committed the act.&nbsp;

Johnson denounces the act

The bringing down of the controversial statue gathered popular support, including that of Bristol mayor, still, the British government denounced the act.&nbsp;

UK PM Boris Johnson's spokesperson said Johnson's spokesman said that the removal of the statue was a criminal act that should be prosecuted.

Amid the intensified protests condemning racism, demonstrators in the United Kingdom toppled Edward Colston's statue installed in the southwestern city of Bristol on Sunday.

Amid the intensified protests condemning racism, demonstrators in the United Kingdom toppled Edward Colston's statue installed in the southwestern city of Bristol on Sunday. Watch | Colston, whose 18-foot (5.5-metre) bronze statue was taken down, was a slave trader in the 17th century. He was a top official of Royal African Company, which sent hundreds of thousands of men, women and children from West Africa to the Caribbean and the Americas for slavery. Also read | Protesters in UK topple slave trader Edward Colston's statue, throw it in harbour However, he was also a philanthropist, who donated huge funds to support schools, hospitals, churches, and almshouses in Bristol and his legacy can be seen on Bristol's memorials and streets. So what will happen to the toppled statue? Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol said that the statue that thrown into the harbour will likely be fished out and find a place in a museum. "It's still underwater, at some point it will be fished out... we will obviously take the statue out," Rees said, in an interview, to BBC Radio Bristol. Highlighting that he doesn't support criminal damage, the mayor also said that the toppling is a part of "statue's history', saying that people didn't want it so they gathered together and committed the act. Johnson denounces the act The bringing down of the controversial statue gathered popular support, including that of Bristol mayor, still, the British government denounced the act. UK PM Boris Johnson's spokesperson said Johnson's spokesman said that the removal of the statue was a criminal act that should be prosecuted.

What will happen to the 120-year-old statue toppled by Black Lives Matter protesters in UK?

Protesters in the UK's southwestern city of Bristol tore down the statue of Edward Colston's, stamped on it and threw it in the harbour as the killing of African-American George Floyd by Minneapolis police in the US continued to stir the nation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/minneapolis-mayor-jacob-frey-booed-out-of-rally-after-refusing-to-defund-police-304084">Also Read:&nbsp;Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey booed out of rally after refusing to defund police</a>

The 18-foot bronze statue had stood on Bristol's Colston Avenue since 1895.&nbsp;

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The moment a statue of slave trader Edward Colston toppled into Bristol’s harbour. ‘It’s what he deserves. I’ve been waiting all my life for this moment’ someone told me in the moments after. <a href="https://t.co/6juqVrsJ6V">pic.twitter.com/6juqVrsJ6V</a>
— Sarah Turnnidge (@sarah_turnnidge) <a href="https://twitter.com/sarah_turnnidge/status/1269646528622272513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Prime minister Boris Johnson condemned the attack saying: "These demonstrations have been subverted by thuggery -&nbsp;and they are a betrayal of the cause they purport to serve."

"Those responsible will be held to account."

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SLAVE TRADER EDWARD COLSTON got THROWN IN BRISTOL HARBOUSIDE at the PROTEST! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlackLivesMatter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlackLivesMatter</a> ✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽 <a href="https://t.co/wgwambIE5r">pic.twitter.com/wgwambIE5r</a>
— Sagal☆° ̊ (@sagalimaanii) <a href="https://twitter.com/sagalimaanii/status/1269648154376523777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The incident went viral on social media as people took videos of the statute being thrown into the water.

Bristol mayor Marvin Rees said: "I know the removal of the Colston Statue will divide opinion, as the statue itself has done for many years," adding, "However, it's important to listen to those who found the statue to represent an affront to humanity."

The Opposition welcomed the toppling of the statute with Labour party lawmaker Clive Lewis saying: "Someone responsible for immeasurable blood &amp; suffering. We’ll never solve structural racism till we get to grips with our history in all its complexity. #BLM"

There were protests across the country in Manchester, Wolverhampton, Nottingham including in Edinburg and Glasgow.

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Edward Colston’s company transported more than 100,000 enslaved Africans across the Atlantic between 1672 and 1689. More than 20,000 died during the journey. Their bodies were tossed overboard. <a href="https://t.co/8Wrv1hqkSM">https://t.co/8Wrv1hqkSM</a>
— Clint Smith (@ClintSmithIII) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClintSmithIII/status/1269726784792276997?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In London where protests were mainly peaceful, twenty-nine arrests were made even as scuffles were reported in front of PM Johnson's residence at 10 Downing Street.

Colston whose statute was brought down was known to have a monopoly on the west African slave trade. Colston had joined a company Royal African Company (RAC) in 1680 which is believed to have sold around 100,000 west Africans in the Caribbean and the Americas.

Protesters in the UK's southwestern city of Bristol tore down the statue of Edward Colston's, stamped on it and threw it in the harbour as the killing of African-American George Floyd by Minneapolis police in the US continued to stir the nation.

Protesters in the UK's southwestern city of Bristol tore down the statue of Edward Colston's, stamped on it and threw it in the harbour as the killing of African-American George Floyd by Minneapolis police in the US continued to stir the nation. Also Read: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey booed out of rally after refusing to defund police The 18-foot bronze statue had stood on Bristol's Colston Avenue since 1895. The moment a statue of slave trader Edward Colston toppled into Bristol’s harbour. ‘It’s what he deserves. I’ve been waiting all my life for this moment’ someone told me in the moments after. pic.twitter.com/6juqVrsJ6V — Sarah Turnnidge (@sarah_turnnidge) June 7, 2020 × Prime minister Boris Johnson condemned the attack saying: "These demonstrations have been subverted by thuggery - and they are a betrayal of the cause they purport to serve." "Those responsible will be held to account." SLAVE TRADER EDWARD COLSTON got THROWN IN BRISTOL HARBOUSIDE at the PROTEST! #BlackLivesMatter ✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽 pic.twitter.com/wgwambIE5r — Sagal☆° ̊ (@sagalimaanii) June 7, 2020 × The incident went viral on social media as people took videos of the statute being thrown into the water. Bristol mayor Marvin Rees said: "I know the removal of the Colston Statue will divide opinion, as the statue itself has done for many years," adding, "However, it's important to listen to those who found the statue to represent an affront to humanity." The Opposition welcomed the toppling of the statute with Labour party lawmaker Clive Lewis saying: "Someone responsible for immeasurable blood & suffering. We’ll never solve structural racism till we get to grips with our history in all its complexity. #BLM" There were protests across the country in Manchester, Wolverhampton, Nottingham including in Edinburg and Glasgow. Edward Colston’s company transported more than 100,000 enslaved Africans across the Atlantic between 1672 and 1689. More than 20,000 died during the journey. Their bodies were tossed overboard. https://t.co/8Wrv1hqkSM — Clint Smith (@ClintSmithIII) June 7, 2020 × In London where protests were mainly peaceful, twenty-nine arrests were made even as scuffles were reported in front of PM Johnson's residence at 10 Downing Street. Colston whose statute was brought down was known to have a monopoly on the west African slave trade. Colston had joined a company Royal African Company (RAC) in 1680 which is believed to have sold around 100,000 west Africans in the Caribbean and the Americas.

Protesters in UK topple slave trader Edward Colston's statue, throw it in harbour

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