Andy Burnham says the country "has always stood together" at Black History Month event

At a Downing Street reception on Monday marking Black History Month, Prime Minister Andy Burnham advocated teaching Black history in schools and making the observance a regular Downing Street event, saying that this history belongs to Britain. He recalled promoting Black History Month while mayor of Greater Manchester. Burnham described the past decade as marked by discrimination and attempts to pit communities against each other, including what he called masked criminals, and he said the country has a history of cohesion. Around 100 guests included newly elected Labour MP Sagal Abdi-Wali, Diane Abbott, Baroness Amos, June Sarpong and Ekow Eshun. Burnham also praised Baroness Doreen Lawrence for changing how racism and policing are handled.