"England, whatever that means, created an Empire based on racism, cruelty and exploitation didn't it. "

All nations that could, created empires.
The mores of the time did not regard that as bad.
The British Empire was less racist, cruel and exploitative than any other.
Other empires gained independence through blood and fire. Ours with tea and ceremony. And we are all still friends.

Someone has mentioned the Tolpuddle Martyrs and the Peasants Revolt.
It was of their like I was thinking when I spoke of our martyrs who knew that only future Britons would benefit from their sacrifices.