UK PM Andy Burnham 'open' to slavery apology but not reparations

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has expressed openness to issuing a formal apology from the UK for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, but firmly rejects the idea of financial reparations. In an op-ed published in The Guardian, Burnham argued that it is crucial to confront the past and engage in difficult conversations to ensure the Commonwealth remains strong in the future.

While he seeks to express sorrow and regret for the pain and suffering caused by slavery, Burnham maintains that British individuals cannot be held liable for historical wrongs committed under different laws and by people who did not personally participate in them. He emphasized that the transatlantic slave trade was a brutal and barbaric violation of human rights, and called for a structured dialogue with those affected.

The issues surrounding slavery have been a significant concern during King Charles III's nine-day visit to three Caribbean nations, including an address to the Commonwealth summit. Burnham plans to launch a new debt restructuring drive for the poorest Commonwealth countries, led by former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown, to help repay debts over a longer period with better rates.

The 56-member Commonwealth, mostly made up of former British colonies, has long grappled with the issue of the country's role in slavery and the treatment of its former subjects. The UK has never formally apologized for slavery or agreed to pay reparations, despite profiting from colonialism and the slave trade for centuries. Denis O'Brien, founder of The Repair Campaign, urged London to stop obfuscating and provide a full and formal apology as a significant step towards reparatory justice.

However, UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch firmly opposes the idea of apologies and reiterates her opposition to reparations, urging the Commonwealth to look forward rather than endlessly backward.