Sir Salman Rushdie has called for the history of the British Empire to be taught in schools to help children better understand its impact on modern Britain. Speaking at an event in London recognising his support for freedom of expression, Rushdie noted that his two sons, who attended what he described as “very good schools” in the UK, did not receive any lessons on the subject.

Rushdie emphasized that without education about the Empire, students lack insight into how Britain was shaped by its colonial past. “If you don’t teach your history, you won’t understand what it means,” he said, highlighting the migration patterns that have made Britain a diverse society. He referenced an essay by a friend stating, “We are here, because you were there,” underscoring the connection between British colonialism and the presence of people of colour in the country today.

Drawing on historical context, Rushdie pointed out that when the British arrived in India, it was among the richest nations globally, but by the time they left, India had become one of the poorest. He questioned what happened to the wealth extracted during this period and asserted that it contributed to building Britain’s power and prosperity.

Born in Mumbai in 1947 and relocating to the UK in 1961, Rushdie also remarked on the limited attention the British Empire receives in English literature. He observed that the works of prominent 19th-century authors rarely engaged directly with the realities of colonialism, despite Britain’s status as a global power at the time.

In addition to addressing education, Rushdie briefly commented on recent challenges to free speech, particularly in the United States. He referred to a difficult period for free expression under the current American administration, drawing a link to his own experience as a target of censorship and violence. In 2022, he survived a stabbing attack at a New York event, related to a decades-old fatwa issued after the publication of his novel *The Satanic Verses*, which sparked controversy among some Muslim communities.

Rushdie’s remarks reflect ongoing debates about how Britain’s imperial history should be represented in education and public discourse, with advocates urging more comprehensive teaching to foster understanding of the present-day societal and cultural landscape.