Liberal Democrat MPs today urged people to remember the tragedy of the slave trade but not forget the persistent inequalities in modern society, in a Parliamentary debate today to mark the bicentenary of the abolition of slavery in Britain.

Speaking in the debate, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Vince Cable MP said:

“It is important to remember the role Britain played in the past of first establishing and then dismantling the cruel international trade of people.

“But we should also remember those who settled here who face a continued disadvantage in schooling, over-representation in the prison population and higher than average levels of unemployment.”

The principal ports engaged in the slave trade were Bristol, Liverpool and London. Speaking after the debate, Bristol West Liberal Democrat MP, Stephen Williams said:

“The commemoration of the bicentenary of the ending of the slave trade is understandably an emotive issue in Bristol. We have to recognise the deep pain and hurt felt by many Bristolians, particularly those with Afro- Caribbean origins, whenever slavery is discussed. 

“For many years I have pressed for greater recognition and understanding of the city’s roles in the slave trade and in the West Indian plantations. 

“However, it is also right to recognise this year that Parliament struck a blow for human rights in 1807 and that many Bristolians of that time were involved in the campaign to end the slave trade and the eventual emancipation of all slaves.”