Movement for Colonial Freedom

Institute of Commonwealth Studies

Serving the Next Generation ‐ The Commonwealth in the 21st Century Lecture Series

The Movement for Colonial Freedom
Rt Hon Tony Benn
Wednesday 9th June 2010

Lecture to start promptly at 5.30pm and to be followed by a wine reception

Beveridge Hall, South Block, Senate House
Malet Street, University of London
London WC1E 7HU

Founded by the Labour MP Fenner Brockway in 1954, the Movement for Colonial Freedom was one of Britain’s most prominent anti‐colonial pressure groups in the 1950s and ‘60s. The Movement championed the cause of nationalist movements around the world and worked to expose human rights abuses perpetrated in the counterinsurgency campaigns that preceded the end of colonial rule. It was also a fierce critic of the racist policies of Rhodesia and South Africa. As the Movement’s Treasurer, Tony Benn, witnessed these
struggles at first hand. His lecture promises to provide unique insights into this fascinating chapter in the history of decolonization and to offer important lessons for today’s campaigners against racism and oppression.

The Institute of Commonwealth Studies Library holds a number of Movement for Colonial Freedom publications, including documents on Rhodesia and Swaziland. Material in the archives collection includes pamphlets relating to British Guiana and South Africa.

RSVP to Troy Rutt (troy.rutt@sas.ac.uk or 020 7862 8853)
http://www.commonwealth.sas.ac.uk/