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Bristol Bus Boycott elders honoured in Westminster
Bristol Bus Boycott elders and their descendants have been honoured in a special reception at the House of Commons.
It comes as the 60th anniversary of the seminal event in UK race relations continues to be celebrated.
The event was organised by Bristol West MP Thangam Debbonaire, with the reception held in the parliamentary office of Labour Party leader, Keir Starmer.
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The group included the son of Bristol’s first black bus driver, Vernon Samuels, and family members of key campaigners including Vernon Samuels, Owen Henry and Barbara Dettering.
They travelled from Bristol on the bus marking the anniversary of the boycott and first joined Debbonaire for afternoon tea before seeing the Race Relations Act of 1965, put on display by the Parliamentary Archives.
Labour leader Keir Starmer and Bristol West MP Thangam Debbonaire at the special reception at Starmer’s parliamentary office – photo: Labour Party
At the reception, Starmer said: “The Bristol Bus Boycott was one of the biggest achievements in overcoming injustice in this country.
“To those in this room who conceived, organised, led and participated in this protest, we extend our deepest gratitude.
“Your unwavering commitment and tireless efforts demonstrated the unity and determination of Bristol’s Black and Asian communities in their unwavering fight against discrimination, and is a testament to the impact of communities when we work together for equality.
“Through your collective action, you changed discriminatory hiring practices in the UK and your work led to the introduction of the Race Relations Act.
“The Bristol Bus Boycott stands as a testament to the power of ordinary individuals who come together to bring about profound change.”
Main photo: Labour Party
Read next:
- Remembering the Bristol Bus Boycott 60 years on
- Bristol Bus Boycott celebrated in church windows
- Bus design commemorating Bristol Bus Boycott unveiled
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