Conservative Shadow Foreign Secretary William Hague delivered the fourth of the 'Cardinal's Lectures' held in Westminster Cathedral on Thursday.

Speaking on William Wilberforce, Hague linked his dedication and drive to his Christianity.

"Throughout history," Hague asserted, "people of faith have applied the principles of compassion, truth and freedom to some of the greatest evils afflicting our world and nation. Dynamic, outward looking faiths... have the incredible power to heal conflict, motivate individuals and raise society towards, in Wilberforce's words, 'the noblest of ends'.

"We need once again principled faith to play its role in practical politics. And I doubt that we could do without it."

To view a transcript and video of William Hague's speech, click here.