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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
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| Blair 'sorrow' over slave trade | Blair 'sorrow' over slave trade |
| (about 20 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. |
| Esther Sanford, of the Pan African Reparation Coalition, said all countries that had ever been involved in slavery should give a full apology. | |
| "An apology is just the start - words mean nothing," she told BBC News. | |
| "We're talking about an apology of substance which would then be followed by various reparative measures including financial compensation." | |
| She said: "If we do not deal with this now it is tantamount to saying that you can commit crimes against humanity, against African people and get away with it." | |
| '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. |
| Tony Blair has gone further than any other leader of any western democracy David LammyCulture minister Send us your comments | |
| He has already ruled out a formal apology. | He has already ruled out a formal apology. |
| 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. |
| Culture minister David Lammy said that he "did not want to get into a blame fest" but wanted next year's events to celebrate the people who abolished the trade and commemorate those who died. | |
| 'Legacy' | |
| "In Tony Blair's statement today he recognises that there is a legacy from this period of history in Africa and that there is a legacy in relation to black people living here in Britain." | |
| He stressed that the Labour Party had always focused on equality and would continue to fight against modern slavery. | |
| "Tony Blair has gone further than any other leader of any western democracy," Mr Lammy said. | |
| "He has struck the right balance between providing for the future, commemorating the past and moving forward as a multi-ethnic nation." | |
| Activist Paul Stephenson told the BBC: "The prime minister could have gone further, but nevertheless it is a step in the right direction." | Activist Paul Stephenson told the BBC: "The prime minister could have gone further, but nevertheless it is a step in the right direction." |
| Church vote | |
| Richard Dowden, director of the British Royal African Society, said the bicentenary would be a chance for Britons to "acknowledge slavery as part of their history". | |
| "This happened at a time when Britain was becoming the Britain that we have today," he said. | |
| "It was the beginning of the industrial revolution, it was when Britain began to rule the world and many of our national heroes were deeply implicated in it. | |
| "Nelson, for example, called the abolitionist movement a damnable doctrine - he fought to protect the slave trade." | |
| 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. Were members of your family affected by slavery? If you have a story you'd like to share with us you can do so using the form below: | |