A Bradford woman is hoping for two books - which discuss race, institutional racism and the immigrant experience in the UK - to be added to the national curriculum.

But she said she felt frustrated after receiving what she sees as “dismissive” responses from two local politicians.

Laura Erby, 25, from Cottingley, came across a petition - with over 375,000 signatures - calling for the two books to be studied in secondary schools.

She emailed Shipley MP Philip Davies and her local councillor, Paul Sullivan, of the Bingley Rural ward, to ask if they could offer any support - but says neither seemed “willing to even read the books.”

One of the books is The Good Immigrant, by Nikesh Shukla – a collection of essays written by BAME people in the UK, who tell first-hand accounts of their experiences.

The other is Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race, by Reni Eddo-Lodge, which addresses structural racism and the relationship between race and class.

Laura, who is white, said the books are “eye-opening” and believes that not having them on the curriculum means students are “missing out.”

“These books changed the way I looked at things. Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race has a provocative title, yes. But it has a section on history and Britain’s involvement in the slave trade. It discusses why the past is still relevant - we can’t stop a problem, i.e. racism, without looking at its origins.

“I don’t want to take away the voice of the black community, I just want to stand with them, listen to them and use the white privilege that I have in a way that helps.

“My friend is a history teacher and says students often learn about how the British conquered the world, but not that we killed a lot of people in the process. History is often based on the historian’s interpretation.

“I’ve had black friends all my life, but I didn’t understand or really ‘get’ their struggles until last year. These books helped with that.

“People think racism only refers to blatant racism, but there are subtle forms, too, and it’s not just about skin colour, it’s also structural.

“Some think interpersonal racism is the only thing being protested now. This lack of knowledge needs to be remedied through education. We also have to listen to black people when they talk about their experiences.”

Laura emailed Philip Davies MP and asked him if he could “support the petition” in any way possible, but was “disheartened” by his response.

“He said it’s not up to him to micro-manage what is taught in schools, but he could have directed me to someone who could help.”

Mr Davies responded to Laura’s frustrations by saying: “I don’t know anything about these books, so I can’t make a decision on the merits of them or say they should or shouldn’t be taught in schools - that’s not my role.

“I barely get time to read any books, so the chances of me reading these books in the near future are slim to nil.

“This country has done a lot of good and also done things which it might not be as proud of. I believe British history should be taught in schools in a fair and balanced way. It shouldn’t be about black or white, and schools shouldn’t be forcing an agenda.”

Councillor Paul Sullivan, who Laura also emailed, said: “Both interpersonal and institutional relationships are important to the positive growth of our society. I share Laura’s concerns at recent events and the underlying causes.

“Laura thanked me for my input. I am generally sympathetic to the idea that we have a diverse contribution to education.

“I don’t always get time to read books - how many words does the average book have? There are massive issues in Bingley Rural right now, including fly-tipping, which is affecting hundreds of local residents.

“Compared with George Floyd dying, unjustly, it may not seem important. But as a local councillor, I’m dealing with that right now. Someone dying in America is not in my remit as a local councillor - even though it has clearly affected us here, as people are taking to the streets.

“But, as a local councillor, I am elected to deal with issues that directly affect Bingley Rural, and I think I responded to Laura’s email very positively.

“I support diversity and I have been a member of Keighley Interfaith for around ten years. I’m all for valuable contributions from all sections of society.”