Racism has no place in our society, we are told. In fact, its role is crucial but today public debate on race in Britain is constrained by a facile postracialism. Its features are colourblind narratives, an ‘anti-antiracist’ discourse and erasure of Black working class identities.

This book examines and challenges the marginalisation of critical race analysis in debates on social justice. It reconceptualises Critical Race Theory from a British standpoint, foregrounding the concept of ‘permanent racism’ and its importance in understanding race as a fully social relationship.

Highlighting the need to decolonise public debate and antiracism itself, the book provides an essential resource for academics, students and activists who wish to decolonise public debates on racism, social class, education and social policy.