Prime Minister invited to Wilberforce 2007

Hull North MP Diana Johnson today invited the Prime Minister Tony Blair to visit Hull during the forthcoming Wilberforce 2007 commemorations.

The invitation was issued during today's Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons. In response, the Prime Minister reiterated the importance of further progress in combating the present day equivalent of the slave trade and of progress on development and in extending educational opportunities in Africa.

International Development Secretary Hilary Benn recently (9 February) visited Hull, in response to an invitation from Diana Johnson, to support Wilberforce 2007.

Diana Johnson MP said: "With Hull at the centre of this year's events to remember the central role of Hull MP William Wilberforcerforce in the abolition of slavery 200 years ago, it would be great if the Prime Minister could find time in his busy schedule to join us in the coming months.

"Wilberforce 2007 will have a positive legacy for Hull and for our local economy that will repay the investment in it many times over. It will also raise awareness among younger generations of Hull's history and of the challenges we still face in ending slavery."

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