Rhodes set to fall as Oriel governors push for removal

Decision runs counter to universities minister’s view that institutions should not remove statues

The governing body of Oriel College, University of Oxford, has said the statue of Cecil Rhodes that has become the focus of anti-racism protests should be removed.

In a statement on 17 June, the governors said that an independent commission of inquiry would be set up to consider their wish to remove both the statue of the Victorian imperialist Rhodes and the King Edward Street plaque that bears an inscription about the controversial figure. Rhodes was instrumental in the expansion of the British Empire in southern Africa.