To: Government
New Bank Holiday to commemorate the abolition of slavery in the UK
Create a new bank holiday on 1st August to commemorate the abolition of slavery.
On that day in 1834 the Slavery Abolition Act 1833 (3 & 4 Will. IV c. 73) came into force. This act abolished slavery in parts of the British Empire, (not those controlled by the East India company).
Alternatively, repurpose the late summer bank holiday too be on the 28th August, which is when the act was given royal ascent.
Why is this important?
This will be an annual reminder of those who suffered and died, who were cruelly exploited, to allow the British too grow. The impact of this reverberates still and we should make time to reflect on the impact of slavery and what can be done to stamp it out in the world today.
