Preserve Shakespeare’s Legacy in Stratford Without Decolonisation · petition

What the petition asks

We urge the British government to ensure that William Shakespeare’s works and legacy in Stratford-upon-Avon remain free from efforts to "decolonise" them. Shakespeare’s plays are a cornerstone of British culture and a universal exploration of human nature, not a colonial artifact to be reframed.

Recent trends suggest reinterpretations that impose modern ideological lenses, risking the erosion of their historical and artistic integrity. Stratford, as the heart of Shakespeare’s heritage, should remain a place where his works are celebrated as written, not altered to fit contemporary political narratives. This preserves their value for future generations and respects their global significance.

We request that the government support institutions like the Royal Shakespeare Company and Stratford’s cultural bodies to maintain authentic presentations of his works, rejecting funding or policies that prioritise decolonisation over fidelity to the original texts. Shakespeare belongs to all humanity—let’s keep him untainted by division.

Why it was rejected

It was about a matter for a local council or devolved government, not the UK Government or Parliament.

You could ask your MP to take action on your concerns about this issue, including by asking them to present a public (paper) petition about it.

You can find contact details for your local MP here: https://members.parliament.uk/FindYourMP

And you can find out how to ask your MP to present a public (paper) petition here: https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/sign-a-petition/paper-petitions/

You could also raise this issue with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-digital-culture-media-sport

Timeline

16 Mar 2025	Petition opened for signatures
11 Apr 2025	Rejected by the Petitions Committee