BLANGO WELCOMES SLAVERY COMMEMORATION MOVE (Southwark Liberal Democrats)

Southwark Liberal Democrats <info@southwark-libdems.org.uk>

BLANGO WELCOMES SLAVERY COMMEMORATION MOVE

March 23, 2007 12:00 AM

Cllr Columba Blango, Southwark Council's Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Communities, has welcomed the announcement by the Government that the UK will hold an annual day to commemorate slavery and people trafficking.

"I am delighted that the UK will join with the rest of Europe in an annual day of slavery commemoration," said Cllr Columba Blango. "This is an important subject for the people of Southwark as it represents part of the history of our area and of many of the people who live here."

"Regrettably, Southwark was a place where the components of the slave trade flourished two centuries and more ago. We need to be mindful of that. We also need to remember that many of the people who now live in Southwark come from countries which were significantly affected by slavery."

"There is also a need to recognize that modern forms of slavery and people trafficking remain and need to be identified and stamped out."

"I also want to congratulate the community groups which have come together at the Council's instigation to draft a programme of events specific to Southwark to commemorate the abolition of slavery."

"These groups are working with a wide range of partners to put together a programme of memorial, education and discussion events which will centre on a series of events in mid August. We look forward to the full programme being announced in the near future."