UK PM ‘open’ to slavery apology but not reparations

London: Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed on Saturday his government's willingness to formally apologize for the UK's involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, but firmly rejected the notion of providing financial reparations. He made these remarks in the days leading up to the Commonwealth leaders summit in Antigua and Barbuda, which is taking place as King Charles III is touring the Caribbean.

Burnham stated in the Guardian newspaper, "I want to express my sorrow and regret for the pain and suffering of so many millions and to recognize the way it still shapes our world today." He condemned the transatlantic slave trade as a "brutal and barbaric violation of the rights of those enslaved."

The British Prime Minister added that his government was open to engaging in a structured dialogue with those affected by the slave trade. Listening to calls for a formal apology will be a crucial part of this process, and Burnham expressed his openness to such discussions.

The monarch's Caribbean tour, which runs from November 1 to 4, has been marked by the UK's historical role in slavery and the treatment of people in its former colonies. During his first stop in the Bahamas, King Charles III acknowledged the great suffering of the past.

Britain has never formally apologized for slavery or agreed to provide reparations, according to Burnham. He reiterated that he does not believe that British people today can be held accountable for historical wrongs committed in a different era under different laws and in which they played no personal role.

Despite Britain profiting from colonialism and the slave trade for centuries, Burnham emphasized that in 1833, Parliament passed a law to abolish slavery.