Behind the myths of the British Empire: Nigel Biggar and Mehdi Hasan

Head to HeadBritain once ruled over the largest empire in history. For many Britons, it remains a source of pride. Others argue its power was built on a legacy of brutality, colonial conquest and the enslavement of millions.Can Britain reckon with that past and make amends? Some say it shouldn’t have to.Mehdi Hasan goes head-to-head with author and Oxford professor emeritus Nigel Biggar on Britain’s colonial history, its slavery and the question of reparations.Joining the discussion: Kojo Koram – Professor of law and history at Loughborough University Lawrence Goldman – Fellow and tutor in modern history, St Peter’s College, Oxford Gurminder Bhambra – Professor of historical sociology at the Department of International Relations, University of SussexPublished On 27 Feb 2026