On This Day
07 August 1843
John Bright makes his maiden speech to the Commons
Bright is recognised as being a key advocate of a liberal free trade policy and for his involvement in the Anti Corn Law League. His maiden speech on the reduction of import duties included his assertion that, ‘On both sides of the House there has been far too much reliance upon the miserable system of protection. From the conspicuous part I have taken out of doors on the question of the Corn Law, and being here not only as one of the representatives of the city of Durham, but also as one of the representatives of that great and benevolent organization, the Anti-Corn League, I think it right now to avow my opinions, and to plead for the total abolition of the Corn Law, and for the adoption of the principle of perfect freedom of trade.’