Hugh Sandeman
Conservative Councillor for Bell Hill ward, Petersfield

I do not see the need or point in the whole of the United Kingdom in 2007 saying sorry for the slave trade.

1) We cannot judge the actions of past generations with today's moral guidelines.

2) If we say sorry for this where will it end? - will every person ever killed in war by the British military be apologised to for example?

3) Although distasteful now, the (forced) work and global movement of people be they black or white in previous centuries has given us the diverse mix of cultures we find across the World today.

4) Britain was instrumental in abolishing the slave trade.

5) The Empires of Britain and other European states contributed more good than bad to the countries that they controlled and gave many a basis to be the powers that they are today.

In summary there is no doubt that slavery was horrific for those who were involved. However a general apology is a mere gesture with no weight or relevance, the Goverment should spend more time sorting out some of the huge issues facing the citizens of today's African pariah states and the children of the far east who work unjustifiably long hours supplying the west's desire for consumer goods. If these children were given the chance of an education alongside the work that is vital to their family's survival there would be scope to give them the chance of a brighter future. If anybody has any other views, or can rationally explain the worth of an apology I would love you to comment.

BBCi "Have your Say" comments HERE are worth a read, it seems that largely common sense prevails amongst the readership.