Bank and Church of England apologise for historic slavery ties

The Bank of England and the Church of England have apologised for their historic roles in slave trade.

“There can be no doubt that the 18th and 19th Century slave trade was an unacceptable part of English history,” a Bank spokeswoman said.

“As an institution, the Bank of England was never itself directly involved in the slave trade, but is aware of some inexcusable connections involving former governors and directors and apologises for them.”

“While we recognise the leading role clergy and active members of the Church of England played in securing the abolition of slavery, it is a source of shame that others within the Church actively perpetrated slavery and profited from it,”a Church of England spokesperson said.