New role models urgently needed

William Wilberforce is famous as the British MP who fought for the abolition of the slave trade. Against great odds, he led the fight against an activity that was thought vital by most of his fellow citizens because of its huge economic value to the British Empire.

He was branded a traitor and opposed by powerful corporates and politicians. His struggle lasted 50 years and it was only three days before he died that Wilberforce heard the news that slavery had been abolished across the empire. His incredible contribution has been referred to by historians as ‘one of the turning events in the history of the world’.