Charles James Fox speaking out in Parliament against slavery

Charles James Fox (1749-1806), British Whig Statesman, MP and ardent anti-slavery campaigner, shown here speaking out in Parliament against the slave trade. One of his last political acts was to move a resolution for the general abolition of the slave trade, asserting on 10 June 1806 that, this House, conceiving the African slave trade to be contrary to the principles of justice, humanity, and sound policy, will, with all practicable expedition, proceed to take effectual measures for abolishing the said trade'. The House of Commons voted overwhelmingly in favour of the resolution, and the Lords assented on 25 June. For his political supporters, the abolition of the slave trade came to be emblematic of the liberty so dear to Fox

1806 Abolition Acts Resolution Whig

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