Britain to apologize to former child migrants

London: British officials say Prime Minister Gordon Brown will apologize to thousands of British children who were shipped to new lives overseas, where many say they suffered neglect and abuse.

Thousands of poor British children were sent to Australia, Canada and other former colonies under the Child Migrants Program, which ended in the 1960s. Many ended up in institutions or as farm laborers.

Brown's office confirmed Sunday officials would consult with representatives of the surviving children before making an apology next year.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will apologize Monday for his country's role in the program. Rudd also will apologize for the mistreatment of the "forgotten Australians," children who suffered in state care during the last century.