NOW that the Muslim veil debate has died down, there is a gap in the media up for grabs by the oppressed.

And it is filled by the ugly issue of slavery.

Tony Blair has been approached recently by campaigners to make an apology for Britain's involvement in the slave trade, in which this country had an active role more than 300 years ago.

Yes, you read it right - more than 300 years ago.

This was a time when European seafarers opened new routes of trade and explored new lands.

As far back as 1562, Africans were literally stolen - even caught and sold by neighbouring African tribes - and sent into slavery to North America and the Caribbean.

Now, I don't need to express exactly how wrong and abhorrent the slave trade was. Anyone with an ounce of common sense and goodwill would know that.

But the suggestion that Mr Blair should apologise for slavery, at a moment in time he had absolutely no control over, is mind-blowing.

There is nothing wrong in remembering and talking about slavery, as this issue is in the pages of history.

History cannot be altered, but it can be prevented.

Slavery is happening right now, hundreds of years later, in the form of sweatshops and low-paid work.

As long as businesses are allowed to exploit their workforce, slavery and slave labour will continue in this country and abroad.

If Blair does apologise, where will it end?

An inquest into the Roman invasion?

Wanting apologies from Scandinavia for their Viking attacks, which resulted in kidnapping coastal villagers into slavery?

W Robinson, Hesketh Walk, Farnworth