Burnham Unveils Commonwealth Debt Reset as UK Opens Slavery Apology Talks for 56 Nations
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Nov 3
Burnham Unveils Commonwealth Debt Reset as UK Opens Slavery Apology Talks for 56 Nations
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Nov 3
Summary
Antigua summit talks opened with Andy Burnham pitching a Commonwealth “debt reset” to ease rising interest burdens on member states and starting discussions on a formal UK apology for the slave trade.
Next year is emerging as the target for that apology, with Downing Street signaling it could come when Britain holds the rotating G20 presidency, while ruling out direct financial reparations.
Ed Miliband called an apology a “significant step” but said asking today’s British taxpayers to fund compensation for historic slavery was neither right nor feasible.
Kemi Badenoch urged Burnham not to apologize, arguing it would strengthen demands for cash payments, even as British officials said the new approach could calm a dispute that overshadowed the 2024 Samoa summit.
By year-end, the UK also plans two Commonwealth task forces on critical minerals and on trade and investment, reflecting London’s push to rebuild influence in a 56-country forum outside China, the US and Russia.