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London mayor 'sorry' for slavery London mayor 'sorry' for slavery
(10 minutes later)
Mayor Ken Livingstone has formally apologised for London's role in the slave trade.Mayor Ken Livingstone has formally apologised for London's role in the slave trade.
He called on Prime Minister Tony Blair to follow suit by issuing an official apology on behalf of the country.He called on Prime Minister Tony Blair to follow suit by issuing an official apology on behalf of the country.
"The government's refusal of such an apology is squalid," he said, on the eve of the bicentenary of legislation to abolish the slave trade."The government's refusal of such an apology is squalid," he said, on the eve of the bicentenary of legislation to abolish the slave trade.
Mr Livingstone urged fellow Londoners to join him in apologising for this "monstrous crime." Mr Livingstone urged fellow Londoners to join him in apologising for this "monstrous crime".
He said France, the US state of Virginia, Liverpool, and the Church of England have formally apologised over slavery.
"It will be infinitely better for our country's reputation if that apology is made now justly, frankly and openly," he said.