UK Government's 2010 Apology to Former Child Migrants

In 2010, at a poignant and historic event, the UK Government formally apologised to thousands of former child migrants who were sent to distant parts of the Commonwealth.

The apology, delivered on February 24, 2010, by then Prime Minister Gordon Brown, marked a significant acknowledgment of the suffering experienced by approximately 130,000 children who were forcibly shipped away from Britain, most recently to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Rhodesia, from the 1870s until 1970.

"As prime minister," Brown said, "I want to apologise on behalf of the whole nation." He continued:

"To all those former child migrants and their families; to those here with us today and those across the world - to each and every one - I say, today, we are truly sorry they were let down. We are sorry they were allowed to be sent away when at their most vulnerable. We are sorry that instead of caring for them, this country turned its back. We are sorry that the voices of these children were not always heard, their cries for help not always heeded. And we are sorry that it has taken so long for this important day to come and for the full and unconditional apology that is justly deserved."

He concluded with a commitment on behalf of the nation: "We will care for you all your days".

Watch the video of Gordon Brown’s Apology to child migrants above

The response on behalf of the child migrant community, from Harold Haig, Secretary of the International Association of Former Child Migrants and Their Families, was heartfelt and reflective, calling the event a 'momentous day'. Haig emphasised the importance of recognition and the need for continued support for the survivors.

Watch Harold Haig’s response to the Apology above

Prior to making the apology to former Child Migrants in Westminster, the Prime Minister spoke in the House of Commons, where he said:

“We are sorry that they were allowed to be sent away at the time they were most vulnerable. We are sorry that instead of caring for them, this country turned its back. And we are sorry that the voices of these children were not always heard and their cries for help not always heeded. We are sorry that it has taken so long for this important day to come, and for the full and unconditional apology that is justly deserved to be given.”

He closed his statement, saying:

“There are many painful memories as a result of the child migration schemes, and for many, today’s apology will come too late for them to hear it. We cannot change history, but I believe that by confronting the failings of the past we show that we are determined to do all we can to heal the wounds.”

Margaret Humphreys, CBE, AO, Director of the Child Migrants Trust, said: "Every child migrant will thank him for his statement today. Much continues to be written about this appalling episode in this country's history – and rightly so. But the crucial message for today is that child migrants and their families will now be able to embrace this defining statement – and the measures announced with it – and move forward after a lifetime of waiting."

David Cameron, then Conservative Party Leader, said:
“It is right to judge a society on how it cares for its most vulnerable, especially our children, so should not our legacy to future generations be to do all that we can to make sure that the lessons from these appalling events are learnt and applied, so that such terrible mistakes can never happen again?”

Please read Prime Minister Gordon Brown's statement to the House of Commons here (this includes the responses by other Party leaders and MPs).

Baroness Royall of Blaisdon repeated the Prime Minister's statement in the House of Lords. You can read this, and other contributions in the Lords, here.

Announcement of the Family Restoration Fund

At the same time he made the Apology, Gordon Brown also announced the formation of the £6m Family Restoration Fund to help survivors reunite with their families after decades of separation as a result of forced child migration.

Announcing the fund, Gordon Brown said: "Although we cannot undo the events of the past, we can take action now to support people to regain their true identities; to reunite with their families and loved ones; and to go some way to repair the damage inflicted."

Learn more about the Family Restoration Fund, here.

Media coverage of the Apology

The Apology was covered extensively by both UK and international media.

Links to a selection of these articles can be found below: