An MP says "all aspects" of the nation's history should be taught in schools after a petition calling for Britain’s colonial past to become part of the curriculum gained support.

Watford MP Dean Russell believes the school curriculum should "reflect" the role Britain has played in world history after the petition was sent to Parliament.

The petition on Parliament’s website, created by Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson, is calling on the Government to create a “far more inclusive curriculum” by making education compulsory on topics such as Britain’s role in colonisation and the transatlantic slave trade.

As of 5pm on Wednesday, 638 people from Watford have signed the petition.

In its first week, the petition secured more than 240,000 signatures nationally, meaning it will be considered for a debate in Westminster.

Mr Russell said: "All aspects of our nation’s history should be taught in schools. Britain has played a huge role in World history, and the school’s curriculum should reflect this.

"I believe education is an essential part of bringing people together and understanding both our diversity and commonality.

"As we move through the 21st Century this is an opportunity for us all to work together to write a positive future."

The petition reads: “By educating on the events of the past, we can forge a better future.

“Colonial powers must own up to their pasts by raising awareness of the forced labour of black people, past and present mistreatment of BAME people, and most importantly, how this contributes to the unfair systems of power at the foundation of our modern society.”

The petition comes following the Black Lives Matter protests around the globe after the death of George Floyd while in police custody.

A cross-party group of more than 30 MPs have already written to education secretary Gavin Williamson calling for a more diverse range of historical perspectives in the curriculum.

Modules such as migration and empire can be taught at Key Stage 3 and 4, but race equality think tank the Runnymede Trust said it was a lottery if they are taught as the decision rests with schools.

Kimberly McIntosh, senior policy officer at Runnymede, added: “The inspirational youth-led campaigns show that young people are hungry to understand our national story in full.

“All children and young people need to feel a sense of belonging, and understand their identities. Having these topics as part of the curriculum would go some way to providing that.”

A Department for Education spokeswoman said: “Racism in all its forms is abhorrent and has no place in our society.

“Schools already play a significant role in teaching children about the importance of respect and tolerance.

“Black history is an important topic which schools can teach to children of all ages as part of the history curriculum.”