UK to say sorry to child migrants

15/11/09 18:53 CET

Immigration

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Britain has said it plans to formally apoligise for shipping thousands of children to former colonies during the 20th century.

Under the policy, which ended more than 40 years ago, poor children were sent mainly to Australia and Canada for a better life.

But, large numbers were split from parents, encountered abuse and finished up in institutions.

The move follows Australia, which is also set to say sorry to hundreds of thousands of people who were mistreated in state care.

The decision by Canberra comes on top of its historic apology, last year, to Australia’s aborigines.

That saw the government formally recognise the abuse and injustices carried out on the countries native population.