BLAIR'S SORRY EXCUSE FOR AN APOLOGY

29-11-2006

Tony Blair has been talking about his "deep sorrow" over slavery. Not so deep that it could actually bring himto say "sorry", mind.Derrick Campbell isn't impressed.

How hard is it to say sorry, when it is clear that a great wrong was committed against a nation? Very hard, if Tony Blair's latest comments are any guide. Apparentlyhe won'tgive an unconditional apology for fear it will lead to claims for reparations from descendants of Africans tradedas slaves.

As one of thosedescendants myself I am constantly dogged by the legacy of slavery…racism, which follows me around simply because I live in a black skin. I am not for one moment expressing any form of regret about my colour or heritage, but I am keen to see the day when black people like myself receive fair treatment in this country.

Mr Blair's statement follows pressure from African and Caribbean countries as well as Lady Amos, the black Labour leader of the House of Lords. It comes ahead of the 200th anniversary of slavery's abolition next March.

He toldthe black New Nation newspaper: "It is hard to believe what would now be a crime against humanity was legal at the time. I believe the bicentenary offers us not only a chance 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."

If thegovernment went one further and simply apologised,they would join the ranks of those whose conscience has made them ackowledge the great injustice that was done to black people and to show recognition to the continuing pain we still suffer.

We have already seen in 1999 LiverpoolCouncil say sorryfor the city's part in the trade. In February, the General Synod of the Anglican Church apologised for its role. Unfortunately the US has refused to apologise, leaving its leaders like Mr Blair to make statements of regret.