Sylvia Heal

Labour Party | Halesowen and Rowley Regis

Young people debate the legacy of the slave trade in Parliament

Sylvia Heal MP had the pleasure of chairing a special event that took place in Parliament this week with young people from across the world, to commemorate the bi-centenary of the abolition of the slave trade and to coincide with Black History Month.

Fifty young people between the ages of 15-18 came to the Houses of Parliament from across sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, United States of America and the UK to explore the shared legacies of the slave trade and its contemporary manifestations. The event was organised by the former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott MP along with the British Council as part of their Africa 2007 programme. In attendance were Lord Kinnock, Speaker Michael Martin and Minister David Lammy MP.

Sylvia Heal in her capacity as Deputy Speaker chaired a special debate which was part of a day of activities that took place in Westminster. The aim of the day was to examine the impact of the slave trade in the 21st century; the young people took part in debates on how to implement education of historical and modern day slavery and why racism should be made illegal across the world.

Sylvia Heal MP said: “I was pleased to have been involved in this special day that saw dozens of young people from different backgrounds and countries come together to discuss the legacy of the slave trade. It was a unique event with a high standard of contributions from talented young people who certainly have the potential to be future leaders of their retrospective countries.  I believe it is important that we should raise awareness of the issue of slavery particularly among young people.”