Who Owns Empire's Story

Added: 2026-05-25

[00:00:00]Britain once ruled the biggest empire in human history. At its peak, it spanned a quarter of the globe and ruled over hundreds of millions of people. For some, the empire remains a symbol of national pride.

[00:00:14]>> But in recent years, there has been a resurgence of criticism of the empire across the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and in Britain itself.

[00:00:22]>> And we demand an apology and reparations. Critics say the empire was built on racial discrimination, stolen land, and the mass murder and enslavement of millions. So, who gets to tell the story of Britain's empire? And should Britain have a reckoning with its sorted imperial past? My guest tonight is ameritus regious professor of moral and pastoral theology at Oxford University, Nigel Bigger. He argues that the critics of the British Empire overstate its vices while ignoring its many virtues. I'm Miy Hassan and tonight I'll go head-to-head with Nigel Bigger, a conservative peer. I'll challenge him on his defense of empire and colonialism and his arguments against reparations for slavery.

[00:01:08]Tonight, I will also be joined by three experts. Ginda Bombra, professor of historical sociology in the department of international relations at the University of Sussex. Kojo Karam, professor of law and history at the University of and Lawrence Goldman, fellow and tutor in modern history at St.