Sorry for 'shameful' programme

Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown apologised to the tens of thousands of poor British children shipped to former colonies such as Australia, where instead of a better life many were treated to harsh conditions, neglect and abuse.

Brown said the country was sorry for the "shameful" and "misguided" child migrant programme of the 1920 to 1960s, in which an estimated 150,000 British children were sent to distant colonies.

"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," he told the House of Commons.

At a gathering attended by several tearful former child migrants in Sydney, British High Commissioner Valerie Amos reread Brown's formal apology.

Brown's statement came months after Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd issued a similar apology.