Trevor Phillips: ‘Battles over history make everything about white people and their guilt’

The writer discusses his role on the new Heritage Advisory Board set up to guide the national debate on Britain's past

Trevor Phillips, the broadcaster and writer chosen to become one of the members of a controversial new Heritage Advisory Board set up by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, has revealed the priorities that will guide him as he helps to set a steadying course for the government through Britain's contested cultural history.

Speaking to the Observer Phillips said: I am not against things being changed. Things get changed all the time. That's what happens. But I want people to be honest about their motives." The broadcaster and writer said he does object though to the cultural window dressing" of merely changing names and taking down statues. Phillips believes it is distraction from the real work of tackling less fashionable problems, such as the lack of opportunity and economic equality facing many Britons.