David Starkey, the historian accused of racism, is to give a talk aboard a paddle steamer on the Thames next month, at the same event as Rastamouse, the children’s television character, writes Tim Walker for London’s Telegraph.

David Starkey, who was accused of racism for claiming that the riots showed how “the whites have become black”, is to give a talk aboard a paddle steamer on the Thames next month.

One of the historian’s fellow speakers will be Rastamouse, the dreadlocked children’s television character, which has been criticised for inspiring infants to adopt the Caribbean patois decried by Starkey.

The organisers of the cruises, which are part of the Mayor’s Thames Festival, say Rastamouse will be “bustin’ some wicked riddims from Da Easy Crew an’ more. Get ready to rocksteady an’ nice up da place! Irie man!”

Starkey, by contrast, will give “his insights and knowledge on the sights and sounds of this famous river”. That’s if Rastamouse hasn’t pushed him in first.

For the original report go to http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/8707071/Racist-historian-David-Starkey-is-sunk-by-Rastamouse.html