King Charles to address Commonwealth with honesty on slavery history
The monarch will confront shameful aspects of the past during his speech at the Commonwealth heads of government meeting.
King Charles III will address Commonwealth leaders next week, promising to confront shameful parts of UK history with unflinching honesty, according to Buckingham Palace. The announcement came on Saturday as scrutiny increases regarding Britain's role in historical transatlantic slavery.
The King arrived in Antigua and Barbuda late Friday before his scheduled speech on Tuesday at the Commonwealth heads of government meeting. A palace spokesperson said the monarch will not avoid the most shameful parts of the past during his visit.
While the King will address these issues, the palace noted it would not be appropriate for him to discuss specific UK government policy. Instead, the spokesperson said the monarch will focus on promoting collective action and practical ways to tackle global challenges.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said in an op-ed on Saturday that he is open to a formal apology for the UK's role in the slave trade. However, Burnham ruled out paying financial reparations, stating that modern British citizens should not be held liable for historical wrongs.
Burnham also announced a new debt restructuring drive for the poorest Commonwealth nations, which will be led by former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown. The initiative aims to help these countries repay debts over longer periods with better rates.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch expressed opposition to reparations on Saturday, stating there was no need for an apology. She urged the Commonwealth to look forward rather than backwards, noting that slavery was an evil involving people from many regions.