When did British leaders begin to talk about the abolition of slavery?

British leaders began to discuss the abolition of slavery in earnest during the late 18th century, particularly in the 1780s. The rise of the abolitionist movement, fueled by moral arguments and activism from groups like the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade, gained significant traction. Key figures such as William Wilberforce emerged, advocating for legislative change, which ultimately culminated in the passage of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act in 1807.