Historian David Starkey faces losing his University of Cambridge fellowship after outrage over his claims that 'slavery was not genocide' because 'so many damn blacks live in Africa and Britain' (19 Pics)

Historian David Starkey could lose his University of Cambridge fellowship after he claimed 'slavery was not genocide' because 'so many damn blacks live in Africa and Britain.'

Dr Starkey, 75, was accused of racism following an interview with BeLeave founder Darren Grimes, during which he argued the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement is 'wholly and entirely a product of white colonisation'.

Speaking via video link from his home, the historian said 'the only reason that these young black protestors are here' is 'because of slavery'. 

He added: 'What has happened of course is that the only reason that these young black protestors are here - isn't it slavery? 

'It's only because of the great African diaspora, the compulsory diaspora, because of slavery. What of course that brings you up to confronting is of course slavery was not the equivalent of the Holocaust. 

'Slavery was not genocide, otherwise there wouldn't be so many damn blacks in Africa or in Britain, would there? An awful lot of them survived.

'And again, there's no point in arguing against globalisation or Western civilisation: they are all products of it. We are all products of it.'    

In response to the remarks, Fitzwilliam College said the matter of Starkey's Honorary Fellowship will be considered at a Governing Body meeting next Wednesday.

+10

Historian David Starkey has come under fire after claiming 'slavery was not genocide, otherwise there wouldn't be so many damn blacks in Africa, or in Britain'

+10

In an interview with Darren Grimes, the founder of the pro-Brexit campaign group BeLeave, Starkey said BLM is aiming to delegitimise Britain and 'the West in general'

+10

The 75-year-old called Black Lives Matter (BLM) 'wholly and entirely a product of white colonisation' and its activists 'not culturally black Africans'

+10

+10

Starkey (left) told Darren Grimes (right) that BLM are trying to impose a 'false history' of Britain on the country by making slavery 'central to the picture'

In a statement, it said: 'Fitzwilliam College does not tolerate racism.

'We support and promote freedom of speech in our academic community, but we have zero tolerance of racism. Dr David Starkey’s recent comments on slavery are indefensible.

'Fitzwilliam was founded upon values of fairness and mutual respect and we are proud of the College’s inclusive and diverse membership.

'The matter of Dr Starkey’s Honorary Fellowship will be considered by the Governing Body at its meeting next Wednesday.'

Varsity claimed it is 'almost certain' his fellowship will be revoked.    

When asked what he would say to BLM activists who want to 'decolonise the curriculum' during the controversial interview on Tuesday, Dr Starkey replied: 'You cannot decolonise the curriculum because you, Black Lives Matter, are wholly and entirely a product of white colonisation. 

'You are not culturally black Africans. You would die in seconds if you were dumped back in black Africa because you wouldn't know how to cope. 

'You're a product yourselves of cultural and racial mix.'  

His comments follow nearly a month of anti-racist demonstration and protest around the UK following the killing of George Floyd in the US.

+10

In response to the remarks, Fitzwilliam College (pictured) said the matter of Starkey's Honorary Fellowship will be considered at a Governing Body meeting next Wednesday

Starkey's comments were denounced by Sajid Javid, who tweeted: 'We are the most successful multi-racial democracy in the world and have much to be proud of. But David Starkey's racist comments ("so many damn blacks") are a reminder of the appalling views that still exist'

+10

Outraged social media users denounced Starkey for comments he made in the interview

Dr Starkey's remarks were denounced by Sajid Javid, the former Home Secretary, who tweeted: 'We are the most successful multi-racial democracy in the world and have much to be proud of. 

'But David Starkey's racist comments ("so many damn blacks") are a reminder of the appalling views that still exist.'

Other social media users followed suit, with one Twitter account asking if Starkey 'feels similarly' about the Armenian, Rwandan and Cambodian genocides.

Another posted: 'Absolutely disgraceful comments from David Starkey.'   

'This man hates as much as he breathes', another social media user claimed.

One angry Twitter account posted: 'Imagine if he said that about the Holocaust. Quite rightly he never would be allowed on TV again.'

One person wrote: 'Replace "slavery" for "the holocaust" and "damn blacks" for "damn jews" and you'd quite rightly never be allowed in the public eye ever again.'

'As David Starkey probably knows, only one genocide in history has come close to actually eradicating an entire population,' another tweeted. 

'The so-called Black War of the 1820s reduced the number of indigenous Tasmanians to fewer than 300. Guess which empire perpetrated it?'

One social media user commented: 'David Starkey’s ignorant diatribe consolidate the impression that British historians are much more reactionary than they are.' 

Another said: 'Open-mouthed at David Starkey’s racism. Words fail me.'