Slavery, 200 years and the threat of modern slavery.

8.07.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 26th Mar 2007

Colin Ross with the Romanian Civil Servant responsible for Trafficking policy

Yesterday was the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act being past, my friend Councillor Alistair Dow unveiled a memorial in Birmingham this weekend.

As well as rejoicing in the anniversary of the abolition we should all be on our guard and join together to end modern slavery. The tragedy of women and children being used as sex slaves in our and other countries. The Liberal Democrats have been pressuring the Government to be more responsible and take the lead in tacking this modern slavery.

Last year when I was in Romania I was fortunate enough to visit some hostels for women and children escaping this tragic state of affairs, I also met with one of the Romanian civil servants responsible for the Romanian Government's activity relating to the problem.