Burnham Opens Door to Slavery Apology, Rejects UK Reparations Ahead of Commonwealth Summit
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Oct 31
Burnham Opens Door to Slavery Apology, Rejects UK Reparations Ahead of Commonwealth Summit
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Oct 31
Summary
Andy Burnham said he is open to a formal UK apology for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, but ruled out financial reparations before next week’s Commonwealth leaders summit in the Caribbean.
In a Guardian article, Burnham called the slave trade a “brutal and barbaric violation” and proposed a “structured dialogue” with affected countries, while arguing Britons today should not be held financially liable for historic crimes.
The shift comes as Caribbean governments renew demands for both an apology and reparatory justice during King Charles III’s regional tour, with Downing Street also seeking to reinforce Commonwealth ties.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley welcomed the offer of talks while maintaining her push for reparations; campaigners said Burnham still fell short by refusing an immediate full apology and compensation.
Britain has never formally apologized or paid reparations for slavery, though it compensated slave owners after abolition in 1833 and finished repaying that debt only in 2015.