185,000 children were adopted away – Starmer apologizes

 

TT

 

 Published 13:32Updated 13:37

 

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at a meeting on forced adoptions on Thursday. Photo: Isabel Infantes/AP/TT

Great Britain apologizes for the decades of unwed mothers being forced to give up their children for adoption.

– It is a stain on our history, says Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Around 185,000 children of unwed mothers were adopted in England and Wales between 1949 and 1976.

Starmer's apology comes after a years-long struggle by affected mothers, adopted children and relatives.

– We deeply and sincerely apologize to the mothers who were told they were unfit and who were prevented from caring for their children, Starmer says in parliament, reports the BBC.

– The shame is not yours. The shame has never been yours. The shame is ours.

Earlier in the day, Starmer met with activists, ahead of the statement in the House of Commons.