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British MP's were invited to sign the "Sorry Book"

7 April 1998 - "Sorry Book" event, Room W6, The House of Commons, Westminster, London . 4.30 – 6pm, 7th of April 1998

MP briefing was supplied by the National Indigenous Working Group on Native Title (NIWG)

Anne Clewyd MP
"The truth is sometimes difficult to accept, but we must all accept responsibility."

Tony Benn MP
"Conquest, feudalism, capitalism and imperialism have all exploited working people of all races."

Patricia Hewitt MP
"Like most Australians of my generation, I grew up largely in ignorance of the violence and injustice inflicted upon indigenous Australians by European settlers. My individual apology is part of a collective act of reconciliation that will I hope, form the foundation for a just Australia."

Ross Cranston, MP
"I am a fourth generation Australian and especially willing to sign given the way the indigenous Australian have been treated while my family has been in this country. Politicians who refuse to apologise are not only insensitive but are doing nothing to help Australia's standing in the world."

Dr. Rudi Vis, MP
"For a splendid future."

The event was jointly organised by Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation UK (ANTaR UK) and Australians for Native Title (ANT).

Text from the 'Sorry Book'

You can use the 'Sorry Book' to record your own apology or to sign the following one:

By signing my name in this book, I record my deep regret for the injustices suffered by Indigenous Australians as a result of European settlement and, in particular, I offer my personal apology for the hurt and harm caused by the forced removal of children from their families and for the effect of Government policy on the human dignity and spirit of Indigenous Australians.

I would also like to record my desire for Reconciliation and for a better future for all our peoples. I make a commitment to a united Australia which respects this land of ours, values the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, and provides justice and equity for all.

related links:

• Gallery: Sorry Book opening, St. Mary Le Strand, The Strand, London, May 26, 1998
• 'Sorry' motion in House of Commons
• 'Sorry' book launch: what they said
• MP briefing
• MPs support sorry book
• 'Sorry' book launch: what they wrote
• Wik Bill slammed as racist by British MP
• The Sydney Morning Herald:'A Black Day in London'
• Bringing them Home
  Report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their Families.
• `Stolen Children Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs')
• Apology: regret or sorrow?
  By Senator Aden Ridgeway, The Australian Democrats' Reconciliation Spokesman
• New section - how is britain responsible?

Further information: human rights issues page - includes news index and external links