** IMMEDIATE RELEASE ** IMMEDIATE RELEASE **

Slavery survey shows need for greater education measures

A new Ipsos MORI survey on British perceptions of slavery has revealed that more education-related activities are needed to improve the knowledge Britons have about slavery past and present. 

The survey, which was commissioned by set all free and wasa follow-up to research carried out last year, shows only 12% of Britons can name 1807 as the year the slave trade act was passed. Equally, almost two-fifths are unable to name a leading British slave trade abolitionist.

However, the survey also shows that levels of awareness are significantly higher within some groups than others. For instance, Black people are more likely to highlight the role of Olaudah Equiano in the British abolitionist movement than the population as a whole. Furthermore, 20% of Londoners can name 1807 as the year of the Act, as opposed to the national average of 12%.

set all free project director Richard Reddie points out: ‘The Ipsos MORI survey reveals significant gaps in public understanding of slavery. These gaps highlight the need for greater education measures to emphasize the continuing impact of the Transatlantic Slave Trade through racism, and the way in which slavery still plagues the world in the form of people trafficking and debt bondage. It is my hope that the various planned memorials/monuments, a greater emphasis on African history and the change in the National Curriculum will bring about greater consciousness of slavery-related matters.’

The Ipsos MORI poll of a cross-section of Britons also included questions on the Church’s role in slavery, British abolitionists, modern forms of enslavement, and the most appropriate way of marking the bicentenary. The survey revealed that 38% of Black Britons believe the Christian Church profited from slavery (compared to 26% of the population as a whole), while child labour is the most recognised form of modern day slavery (cited by 41% of the overall population).  Equally, nearly half of all Britons (47%) are able to recognise William Wilberforce as a leading British abolitionist.

Richard Reddie adds, ‘This year has seen a number of films, books, plays, musicals, conferences, exhibitions and church services to commemorate the landmark 1807 Act of Parliament, leading to a slight change in opinions. The real challenge is to continue the work started this year to bring about a groundswell in opinion. This will lead to a combined effort to end all forms of exploitation and prejudice.'

ENDS

Results for the national survey are based on a sample of 1025 British adults aged 15+. Interviews took place face-to-face between 2nd and 8thNovember 2007. The sample includes a set of booster interviews with a total of 212 respondents from Black or minority ethnic backgrounds. 

Click here to read the full survey

Click here to read the original October 2006 survey