UK PM ‘open’ to slavery apology but not reparations

London: Prime Minister Andy Burnham declared on Saturday that the UK government was open to issuing a formal apology for the country's involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, but firmly dismissed the idea of financial reparations. The Labour leader made these comments as he prepared to attend a Commonwealth leaders summit in Antigua and Barbuda, coinciding with King Charles III's tour of the Caribbean.

Burnham expressed his deep sorrow and regret for the immense pain and suffering endured by millions due to the brutal and barbaric nature of the transatlantic slave trade. He emphasized that this historical injustice continues to shape the world we live in today. The British prime minister further stated that his government was committed to engaging in a structured dialogue with those affected by this dark chapter in history.

During his remarks published in The Guardian newspaper, Burnham acknowledged the transatlantic slave trade as a violation of the rights of those who were enslaved. He added that his government was open to such a structured dialogue as part of the process of addressing this historical wrong.

However, the Labour leader firmly rejected the notion of providing financial reparations, stating that "I do not believe that is the right answer." He argued that British people today cannot be held accountable for historical wrongs committed in a different era under different laws, for which they played no personal role.

Britain has never formally apologized for its role in slavery or agreed to pay reparations, as Burnham reiterated. He concluded by emphasizing that Britain had profited from centuries of colonialism and the slave trade, with slavery being abolished in 1833 through a law passed by parliament.