UK Prime Minister open to formal apology for slavery
Andy Burnham said his government is open to apologising for the slave trade but ruled out financial reparations.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Friday that his government is open to a formal apology regarding Britain's historical role in the slave trade. He noted that while he is open to such an apology, he ruled out providing financial reparations.
Writing in The Guardian on October 30, the former Manchester Mayor said the UK is offering structured dialogue with those affected by the transatlantic slave trade. He stated that listening to calls for a formal apology from the British state would be an important part of this process.
Burnham argued that the British people should not be held responsible for historical wrongs that occurred in a different era and under different legal circumstances. He said that sticking heads in the sand has damaged the ability of the Commonwealth to function.
The statement comes ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda next week. Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley welcomed the Prime Minister's comments, though she noted that views differ regarding reparations.
Burnham also announced that former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown will lead a debt restructuring initiative for some of the poorest Commonwealth countries. The Prime Minister added that the UK would support their energy transition during the climate crisis.