Tony Blair has expressed his "deep sorrow" for Britain's role in the slave trade - but stopped short of demands for a full apology.

The Prime Minister's personal condemnation came as the Government prepares to set out its plans to commemorate next year's bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has been drawing up ideas for the March 25 anniversary.

They include the possibility of a "statement of regret" for Britain's involvement, but he has also ruled out a formal apology.

In comments published by The Observer, Mr Blair said: "It is hard to believe what would now be a crime against humanity was legal at the time."

He declared the slave trade "profoundly shameful", saying: "We condemn its existence utterly and praise those who fought for its abolition."

He expressed "deep sorrow that it could ever have happened" but said we could "rejoice at the better times we live in today".

The statement is due to appear tomorrow in New Nation, a newspaper aimed at the black community.

It has been released at this stage to set the Government's tone on the subject as events to mark the bicentenary begin to gather publicity.

Cabinet minister Baroness Amos let slip the details by parading her hand-written notes from a Cabinet committee in front of the cameras.

Her notes contained the phrases "get it out of the way" and "do it before end of the year".

Another comment picked out from Baroness Amos's handwriting was "prepared to go further than being asked to" - prompting speculation that Mr Blair might in fact issue a full apology.