Читать книгу Marjorie Too Afraid to Cry - Patricia Skidmore - Страница 5

This is an important book telling a life-changing story, and its publication is long overdue.

When, in February 2010, I made a formal full and unconditional apology to the victims of the child migrant program on behalf of the U.K. government, it was with the story of Marjorie right at the forefront of my thoughts.

It was right that we said sorry to Marjorie and all those truly let down. Sorry — as I said then — that she and so many others were allowed to be sent away at the time when they were most vulnerable, sorry that instead of caring for her and thousands more, this country turned its head and their tears were not seen and their cries for help not heeded. Sorry also that it has taken so long for the day of atonement to come, and for the full and unconditional apology that is justly deserved to be given.

In addition I am delighted that Marjorie was able to be reunited with her brother as a result of the family restoration fund we set up with a £6 million grant.

I am humbled by the determination of Marjorie and all former child migrants to have the failures of the past acknowledged, I’m inspired by her and their refusal to be victims, and I’m inspired also by the strength of her spirit. The actions we took in government cannot change the past but can go some way to easing even a small amount of the pain Marjorie and child migrants have endured for many decades.

I believe that Marjorie, Too Afraid to Cry will also play a role in helping share with the world an astonishing story of courage in the face of unthinkable hardship. Courage is the greatest quality of all, for on it everything else depends — and Marjorie has shown a courage that all should applaud.

Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown