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Blair 'sorrow' over slave trade | Blair 'sorrow' over slave trade |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Prime Minister Tony Blair has said he feels "deep sorrow" for Britain's role in the slave trade. | Prime Minister Tony Blair has said he feels "deep sorrow" for Britain's role in the slave trade. |
In an article for the New Nation newspaper, the prime minister said it had been "profoundly shameful". | In an article for the New Nation newspaper, the prime minister said it had been "profoundly shameful". |
But Mr Blair stopped short of issuing a full apology, which some commentators have demanded. | But Mr Blair stopped short of issuing a full apology, which some commentators have demanded. |
The government is reportedly setting out its plans for next year's bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade. | The government is reportedly setting out its plans for next year's bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade. |
'Crime against humanity' | 'Crime against humanity' |
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has been drawing up ideas for the 25 March anniversary, including the possibility of a "statement of regret" for Britain's involvement. | Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has been drawing up ideas for the 25 March anniversary, including the possibility of a "statement of regret" for Britain's involvement. |
He has already ruled out a formal apology. | He has already ruled out a formal apology. |
In comments reported by The Observer, Mr Blair said: "It is hard to believe what would now be a crime against humanity was legal at the time. | In comments reported by The Observer, Mr Blair said: "It is hard to believe what would now be a crime against humanity was legal at the time. |
"I believe the bicentenary offers us a chance not just to say how profoundly shameful the slave trade was - how we condemn its existence utterly and praise those who fought for its abolition - but also to express our deep sorrow that it could ever have happened and rejoice at the better times we live in today." | "I believe the bicentenary offers us a chance not just to say how profoundly shameful the slave trade was - how we condemn its existence utterly and praise those who fought for its abolition - but also to express our deep sorrow that it could ever have happened and rejoice at the better times we live in today." |
The statement is due to appear in New Nation, a newspaper aimed at the black community, on Monday. | The statement is due to appear in New Nation, a newspaper aimed at the black community, on Monday. |
Activist Paul Stephenson told the BBC: "The prime minister could have gone further, but nevertheless it is a step in the right direction." | |
A written ministerial statement to Parliament is expected this week, setting out the government's commemoration plans. | A written ministerial statement to Parliament is expected this week, setting out the government's commemoration plans. |
In February, the Church of England General Synod voted to apologise to the descendants of victims of the slave trade. | In February, the Church of England General Synod voted to apologise to the descendants of victims of the slave trade. |