23 January 2007
Tony Blair has expressed his determination to stamp out people and child trafficking as he marked a milestone in the historical battle against exploitation.
At a Downing Street reception commemorating the bi-centenary of the end of the slave trade, the PM announced a series of events over the coming months.
They will include a national service at Westminster Abbey, the launch of a £2 coin to mark the anniversary and the issue of stamps bearing anti-slavery campaigners.
The 1807 Abolition of the Slave Trade Act outlawed the trade throughout the British Empire and made it illegal for British ships to be involved.
Mr Blair also told guests at the reception of his intention to sign the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.
Signature of the Convention will strengthen support for victims and introduce measures to prevent trafficking.
The PM said:
"It is vital that we reflect on the past and that we look to the future. The spirit of freedom, justice and equality that characterised the efforts of the abolitionists is the same spirit that drives our determination to fight injustice and inequality today.
"People and child trafficking is an abhorrent modern form of slavery that we are committed to tackling. Signing the (Convention) will enable us to give victims every support and strengthen our efforts to prosecute traffickers."
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