A BBC journalist and an MP were making a podcast about slavery – it proved both personal and shocking
A friendship can survive many things. But could it survive finding out that one of your friend’s ancestors probably enslaved your own? For Norwich South MP Clive Lewis and former BBC journalist Laura Trevelyan, it was an uncomfortable revelation they had to face head-on.
“Clive’s ancestors might have been enslaved by mine, which is horrible – but it’s a starting point to get into a very necessary topic,” says Trevelyan. “If I felt angry,” adds Lewis. “I would’ve said so to Laura. Our relationship is one where we can speak openly with each other.”
Lewis and Trevelyan have created a new podcast, , which tackles their shared history, and for the descendants of enslaved people in the Caribbean. On their show, and over Zoom today, the pair have an upbeat rapport, with laughter and, while Trevelyan, 55, says she has “pretty centrist” leanings. They tell me they understand if people might see their connection as surprising, even before knowing their shocking historical link. But despite their differences, they are united in their passion for conversation, as well as their shared desire for reparations when it comes to .
