British history should not be treated as a ‘soft play area’, says David Olusoga

Writer and broadcaster says teaching about the past must not be a way of making people feel good about themselves

Britain's relationship with history is not fit for purpose", according to a leading historian who said too many pupils are still taught a dishonest version" of the nation's past that left out uncomfortable truths.

David Olusoga, the writer and broadcaster, told school leaders that Britain often saw its history as recreational ... a place that we go for comfort, a place to make us feel good about ourselves", leading to ignorance about the history of its empire, and to immigration scandals such as Windrush.