Tory MP says historical figures 'didn't know any better' in apparent defence of slave trader Edward Colston

Former leader of Liberal Democrats among those critical of Twitter message

A Conservative MP has caused controversy by appearing to defend the actions of a 17th-century slave trader on social media.

Ben Bradley, the Tory MP for Mansfield, seemed to offer a defence of the slave trader Edward Colston in a tweet posted on Sunday.

Mr Bradley was responding to the toppling of a statue of Colston in Bristol by Black Lives Matter protesters on Sunday afternoon.

In a Twitter post, the MP wrote: “If we start to judge historical figures by 21st century standards, we'll find that quite a few folks weren't that nice... Almost as if they didn't know any better.”

Tim Farron, the former leader of the Liberal Democrats, was among those who criticised Mr Bradley’s message.

“Some standards are eternal and enduring - the kidnapping of thousands of people, ripped from their homes and forced into slavery and degradation... was known to be wrong in the 18th century too. For some, however, it was just economically convenient to overlook this,” he said.

The Independent has reached out to Mr Bradley’s office for further comment.

After being pulled down, the Colston statue was thrown into the Avon by demonstrators who were taking part in an anti-racism rally following the death of George Floyd.

John McAllister, 71, one of the protesters, said: “The man was a slave trader. He was generous to Bristol but it was off the back of slavery and it’s absolutely despicable. It’s an insult to the people of Bristol.”

Mr McAllister also referred to the statue’s plaque, which paid tribute to “one of the most virtuous and wise sons of this city.”

The controversial bronze memorial, made by sculptor John Cassidy, had stood in the centre of Bristol since 1895.

Home secretary Priti Patel described the toppling of the statue as “utterly disgraceful”, ”completely unacceptable” and “sheer vandalism”.

An investigation into the incident has now been launched by Avon and Somerset Police.