In a controversial move, the SNP-led Glasgow City Council is set to remove as many as 11 statues of British military heroes from the city's iconic George Square. This decision comes as part of an overhaul of the public space, driven by an anti-slavery and anti-colonial sentiment that gained momentum following the Black Lives Matter protests that swept across the United Kingdom in 2020.
The council commissioned a review into public artwork in the wake of these protests, which resulted in the creation of a list of 'cancellable' figures depicted in statue form. SNP councillor Graham Campbell has been particularly vocal about the problematic nature of two specific statues - those of Sir John Moore and Field Marshal Colin Campbell.
Councillor Campbell stated, "One played a leading role in killing Indians resisting British colonialism; the other spent a lot of time killing a lot of enslaved Africans resisting slavery in the Caribbean. No doubt today we would not put up statues to such people." His comments echoed the sentiments expressed in the council report, which highlighted the roles of John Moore and Colin Campbell in upholding the system of chattel slavery in the British West Indies during their time in the British Army.
The council has insisted that the statues will be returned to the square in 2027, but their reinstitution could be subject to the decisions of an "antislavery working group." A council official recently stated, "We are flexible and agile, and awaiting any instruction from the antislavery working group. If a decision was taken that one or more statues should not be brought back into the square, then the design would adapt accordingly."
Both Sir John Moore and Field Marshal Campbell were significant figures in Glasgow's military history. Moore fought in the American War of Independence and battled against adversaries like France under Napoleon, who credited him with saving Britain's forces from destruction. Campbell, on the other hand, was a hero of the Crimean War and led campaigns against China, Russia, and India throughout the 19th century.
As an alternative, there has been a suggestion to erect a bronze statue of abolitionist pioneer William Wilberforce on a new 12th plinth in George Square. However, the council spokesman has remained cautious on the matter, stating, "The working assumption is that all of the 11 statues in George Square will be returned to the Square in 2027 after their removal - early in 2025 - for conservation and restoration. We will soon be preparing tender documents for the contracts needed to deliver this work."
This decision by the Glasgow City Council has sparked a heated debate about the role of public art in representing history and the extent to which historical figures should be judged by contemporary standards. While some argue that the removal of these statues is a necessary step towards addressing the legacy of colonialism and slavery, others view it as an attempt to erase or rewrite history.
As the plans for the overhaul of George Square continue to unfold, it remains to be seen how the council will balance the competing demands of historical representation, public sentiment, and the ongoing fight against racism and inequality. The eyes of the nation will undoubtedly be on Glasgow as it navigates this complex and sensitive issue.
