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A PETITION to remove the Sir Robert Peel statue in Bradford's Peel Park, and rename the park itself, has emerged as a national movement gathers pace.

Anti-racism protests have been happening across the country over the past week or so, in response to the death of George Floyd in the US.

Two slave trader statues were pulled down in recent days - one depicting Edward Colston was torn down by campaigners at an anti-racism protest in Bristol on Sunday.

The other was taken down with the approval of a local authority following a petition demanding its removal.

In many cities, the focus has shifted to statues celebrating Bury-born politician and two-time Prime Minister, Sir Robert Peel.

This has spread to Bradford, with Shumona Hussain starting a petition to Bradford Council on change.org.

The petition states: "The aim of this petition is to bring down the statue of Robert Peel in Bradford's Peel Park."

Sir Robert Peel (the second baronet) is often confused with his father (the first baronet), who shared the same name as his son.

The first baronet benefited from the slave trade and raised a petition in opposition to the Foreign Slave Trade Abolition Bill which he saw as a threat to the cotton industry and merchants’ trade interests.

The second baronet, who is the figure depicted in statues across the country, had no direct link with the slave trade.

But, there is controversy surrounding the issue that the Peels’ wealth and industrial empire was built on the labour of enslaved and oppressed peoples. 

So far, 80 people have signed the petition relating to Peel Park in Bradford.

That has since risen to 119 on Thursday, June 11.

The petition continues: "It is clear that both Peels lacked ethics and morals.

"While the majority of the country wanted to abolish slavery, they saw it as a threat.

"He is an icon of hate and racism, who founded the corrupt metropolitan service we see today. 

"We want Peel Park renamed to someone respectful, with good morals and ethics.

"We must provide a platform for the names of the voiceless and unheard. The victims of injustice.

"We need to do this by removing this statue glorifying his vile actions." 

A similar campaign is underway in Manchester to remove the Sir Robert Peel statue in Piccadily Gardens. 

But, it has been met with fury from hundreds of people and a counter-petition has been started in response.

It highlights the complexity of the situation and how the issue of Sir Robert Peel (second baronet) is polarising opinions.

More controversial statues could be taken down too after a raft of councils vowed to review such monuments.

Labour-led councils across England and Wales have agreed to work with their local communities to look at the "appropriateness" of certain monuments and statues on public land and council property.

A spokesperson for Bradford Council said: "Labour councils nationally, through the Local Government Association, have pledged to review all statues and commemorations in their local area and the Bradford district is part of this commitment.

"We would always consult all residents before any alterations could be made."