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Hundreds join slave trade service Hundreds join slave trade service
(10 minutes later)
A service commemorating the 200th anniversary of Britain's abolition of the slave trade is under way at Westminster Abbey.A service commemorating the 200th anniversary of Britain's abolition of the slave trade is under way at Westminster Abbey.
The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, Tony Blair, religious leaders and descendents of slaves are among a 2,000-strong congregation.The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, Tony Blair, religious leaders and descendents of slaves are among a 2,000-strong congregation.
Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams is to deliver a sermon.Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams is to deliver a sermon.
A minute's silence will be followed by the sounding of horns traditionally used to warn of slave trader raids.A minute's silence will be followed by the sounding of horns traditionally used to warn of slave trader raids.
The service, which is being broadcast live on BBC One and BBC Radio 4, commemorates the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act which became law in March 1807.The service, which is being broadcast live on BBC One and BBC Radio 4, commemorates the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act which became law in March 1807.
'Sorrow and regret''Sorrow and regret'
The Queen is expected to lay flowers on the memorial to William Wilberforce, who led the abolition movement, and the Innocent Victims' Memorial, in honour of all those affected by slavery.The Queen is expected to lay flowers on the memorial to William Wilberforce, who led the abolition movement, and the Innocent Victims' Memorial, in honour of all those affected by slavery.
To conclude the national service, all ten bells at the abbey will ring out, with 200 tolls of the tenor bell to mark the 200th anniversary of the Act of Parliament.To conclude the national service, all ten bells at the abbey will ring out, with 200 tolls of the tenor bell to mark the 200th anniversary of the Act of Parliament.
Linda Ali, of the United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, said the day was about returning dignity to the slaves and acknowledging their contribution to the British economy.Linda Ali, of the United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, said the day was about returning dignity to the slaves and acknowledging their contribution to the British economy.
She also called on Tony Blair who has expressed "deep sorrow and regret" at Britain's role in the slave trade, to go a step further.She also called on Tony Blair who has expressed "deep sorrow and regret" at Britain's role in the slave trade, to go a step further.
"I don't see what is so very difficult about apologising for what is such a great crime against humanity," said Ms Ali."I don't see what is so very difficult about apologising for what is such a great crime against humanity," said Ms Ali.
Lady Kate Dowson, a distant relative of William Wilberforce, said she too thought Mr Blair should apologise. Lady Kate Davson, a distant relative of William Wilberforce, said she too thought Mr Blair should apologise.
"Slavery is one of the largest pieces of our wounded history, our worldwide wounded history, and...[has] to be confronted in order to get peace in our world.""Slavery is one of the largest pieces of our wounded history, our worldwide wounded history, and...[has] to be confronted in order to get peace in our world."
The prime minister is not expected to speak at the service.The prime minister is not expected to speak at the service.
His deputy, John Prescott, will unveil a newly-restored memorial fountain to anti-slavery campaigner Thomas Fowell Buxton at Victoria Tower Gardens in London.His deputy, John Prescott, will unveil a newly-restored memorial fountain to anti-slavery campaigner Thomas Fowell Buxton at Victoria Tower Gardens in London.
On Saturday, thousands of people joined Dr Williams and the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, for a "walk of witness" in London to mark the anniversary.On Saturday, thousands of people joined Dr Williams and the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, for a "walk of witness" in London to mark the anniversary.