U. K. - Blair: Jews Expulsion Was Shameful

U. K. - Tony Blair has described the expulsion of Jews from England seven centuries ago as a “shameful moment” in Britain’s history.

In a message sent to a concert to celebrate 350 years of Jewish life in Britain, the Prime Minister said the country had been poorer for their absence. He said: “But the decision to reverse that expulsion was an important precursor to Britain becoming a tolerant and multicultural society. Ever since then the Jewish community has made enormous contributions to Britain in every field… And while many Jews in Britain have had to struggle against prejudice, Britain can also be proud of its role as a refuge for Jews fleeing persecution elsewhere.”

Blair also took the opportunity to pledge to continue fighting anti-semitism “as fiercely as it fights all forms of hatred”.