A presenter of a new documentary about slavery has rejected the idea of selling art and artefacts with links to the trade, to compensate descendants.

“I don’t think the sensible way to achieve reparation is to sell off national heritage,” Afua Hirsch said.

“I want people to see it and engage with it. The more accessible it can be, the more it can be used to educate.”

The writer and broadcaster is fronting Enslaved with actor Samuel L Jackson. The series starts on BBC Two on Sunday.

Hirsch, who writes a column for The Guardian and penned the book Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging, added: “I’m not about destroying history at all. I want people to see it and engage with it.

“But I do feel quite critical that