Mixed response to slave 'sorrow'
Tony Blair's expression of "deep sorrow" over the UK's role in the slave trade has received a mixed response.
Although some campaigners have called for a full apology, others have said the PM's statement was enough.
The editor of New Nation, the newspaper which published Mr Blair's comments, said it was right to acknowledge the wrong and "now we can move on".
But campaigners Anti-slavery International said they would like to see Mr Blair "going a bit further".
Mr Blair's comments come ahead of official commemorations to mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery.
He said it was a "profoundly shameful" occurence, but the government has 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."
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.
Read more here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/6187216.stm
Tony Blair's expression of "deep sorrow" over the UK's role in the slave trade has received a mixed response.
Although some campaigners have called for a full apology, others have said the PM's statement was enough.
The editor of New Nation, the newspaper which published Mr Blair's comments, said it was right to acknowledge the wrong and "now we can move on".
But campaigners Anti-slavery International said they would like to see Mr Blair "going a bit further".
Mr Blair's comments come ahead of official commemorations to mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery.
He said it was a "profoundly shameful" occurence, but the government has 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."
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.
Read more here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/6187216.stm
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