UK Prime Minister open to slavery apology but rules out reparations
Andy Burnham said Britain is open to a formal apology for the transatlantic slave trade but rejected financial reparations.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated he is open to a formal apology for the United Kingdom's role in the transatlantic slave trade, according to reports by Al Jazeera and Deccan Herald. However, Burnham ruled out paying financial reparations to affected nations.
Writing in The Guardian on Friday, Burnham said he does not believe British people today can be held liable for historical wrongs that occurred under different laws and in a different age. He said the UK is instead offering a structured dialogue with those affected.
The comments come ahead of a four-day Commonwealth summit starting on Sunday in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda. King Charles is hosting the leaders of the 50-plus Commonwealth nations in the Caribbean.
Burnham also proposed a new drive regarding debt, stating that Britain would work on debt restructuring to help the most vulnerable countries repay debts over a longer period with better rates. He noted that the Commonwealth is vital to British interests for trade and economic collaboration.
The transatlantic slave trade saw millions of Africans forcibly transported to the Americas. National archives state Britain transported 3.1 million Africans to its colonies, while the Transatlantic Slave Trade Database estimates the number at 3.2 million.
While Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne welcomed the proposals for practical assistance, he noted that the Caribbean's position on reparatory justice remains unchanged. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch criticised Burnham's move as "navel-gazing".