UK Prime Minister Open to Slavery Apology but Rejects Reparations

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was open to a formal state apology for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade but ruled out financial reparations.

Writing in The Guardian ahead of a Commonwealth leaders’ summit in Antigua and Barbuda, Burnham expressed “sorrow and regret” for the suffering of millions of enslaved people and described the trade as a “brutal and barbaric violation” of their rights. He proposed a structured dialogue with affected countries and campaign groups, saying that listening to calls for an official apology would be an important part of that process.

Burnham said financial compensation was not the right response because people in Britain today should not be held liable for historical wrongs in which they played no personal part. Instead, he proposed an international initiative to ease the debt burden on poorer countries through longer repayment periods and lower interest rates, with former Prime Minister Gordon Brown assisting.

Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley welcomed the prospect of talks while reiterating support for reparations, which Caribbean governments define more broadly than direct payments and link to health, education and development.

King Charles III is also attending the summit during a Caribbean tour. Buckingham Palace said he would address “shameful aspects” of Britain’s history with sorrow and honesty, but would not set out UK government policy or issue a formal apology during the trip.