Prime Minister Gordon Brown has apologised for the UK’s role in sending more than 130,000 children to former colonies where many suffered abuse.
He expressed regret for the “misguided” Child Migrant Programme, telling the Commons he was “truly sorry”.
He also announced a £6m fund to reunite families that were torn apart.
The scheme sent poor children for a “better life” to countries like Canada and Australia, but many were abused and lied to.
UK is the only country with a sustained history of child migration – over four centuries
In 1618, 100 sent from London to Richmond, Virginia
In total 130,000 sent from the UK to Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) and Australia
Post-war, many were shipped to Australia and to New Zealand, Rhodesia and Canada