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Blair Won?t Apologize for Britain?s Role in Slave History

When we think about the history of slavery and the suffering of the people who were victims of this vicious industry, we usually categorize it in the grand scheme of American history. We may forget, however, that the United Kingdom also played a role in the slave trade and that the Crown was equally to blame. Speaking in advance of a global bicentenary to commemorate the end of the slave trade, United Kingdom?s Prime Minister, Tony Blair expressed his deepest ?sorrow? for his country?s role in this horrific time in history. However, Blair will not officially apologize.

Two hundred years have passed since the fateful Slave Trade Act was passed and the world?s leaders are getting ready to acknowledge this day with statements and presentations. Caribbean nations have proposed a United Nations Resolution that will honor all those who died at the hands of slavery, whether it was onboard ships taking them to the New World or in the fields working the plantations.

Tony Blair, representing the British people, will back the Caribbean resolution. "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 ever could have happened?, he has been quoted as saying. Blair?s advisors, however, have told him that if he officially apologizes for England?s role in slavery, he might be opening up the issue for reparation claims by slaves? descendants.