Gordon Banks

Ochil & South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks welcomed the statement and apology made by the Prime Minister last week on behalf of the UK Government for it’s involvement in child migration schemes up until the 1960s.

This involved children as young as three being transported from Britain to Australia , Canada , New Zealand , South Africa and Zimbabwe .                            

It was hoped that these children, who were aged between three and 14, would have the chance to forge a better life overseas.

MP Banks said -“These schemes were misguided and far too many vulnerable children suffered during this dark period.” 

“The children in some cases were sent to the four corners of the globe without the consent of parents.”

“The child migration schemes caused a lot of hurt and upset and whilst the Prime Minister’s apology is an acknowledgement of the UK Government’s role – it can never bring comfort to the families that were ripped apart.” 

“The Prime Minister has however set aside £6 million in a family restoration fund to help re-build the broken bridges between families.  The Government cannot undo the years of hurt but hopefully this money will be a helpful start in attempts to bring these families together again.”