Former Tory MP ‘threatens legal action’ after being named in slavery research

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A former Conservative MP has threatened the University of Cambridge with legal action after an academic named her as a descendant of a merchant with links to the slave trade. Malik Al Nasir, a poet and author, who is also a PhD history student at St Catharine’s College, said in a TEDx Talk video published in 2021 that Antoinette Sandbach is a descendant of Samuel Sandbach, who was in a partnership that traded with the West Indies and owned slaves. St Catharine’s is absolutely committed to upholding freedom of speech and ensuring all of our students are able to freely pursue their scholarly interests St Catharine’s College Mr Al Nasir, of Toxteth, Liverpool has spent 20 years looking into his own family’s ancestral origins, discovering links to plantations in Demerara, in what was formerly known as British Guiana. St Catharine’s College said: “St Catharine’s is absolutely committed to upholding freedom of speech and ensuring all of our students, including Malik Al Nasir, are able to freely pursue their scholarly interests by providing access to academic, pastoral and – where possible – financial support throughout their studies.” The University of Cambridge said: “This is an ongoing legal matter and so we are unable to comment.” Ms Sandbach has been approached for comment.