Controversial statues must be put in context and not 'hidden away,' UK minister says

The plans to change the legislation, to be revealed in UK Parliament on Monday, follow the toppling of a statue of slave trader Edward Colston last year

A statue of Edward Colston was dumped into Bristol harbour during a Black Lives Matter protest rally. Picture: Ben Birchall/PA

Britain should not try to edit or censor its past, the British Communities secretary has said, amid proposed amendments to laws to protect statues, monuments and other memorials.

Robert Jenrick said any decision to remove heritage assets in England will require planning permission and a consultation with local communities, adding he wanted to see a “considered approach”.