UK PM says sorry possible on slavery, not reparations

LONDON, October 31 — As King Charles III embarks on a tour of the Caribbean, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has expressed openness to the UK offering a formal apology for its involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, but firmly rebuffed the notion of providing financial reparations. Burnham's remarks were published in the Guardian newspaper days before the Labour leader's participation in a Commonwealth leaders summit in Antigua and Barbuda.

Speaking of the transatlantic slave trade, Burnham described it as a "brutal and barbaric violation" of the rights of those enslaved. He added that his government is keen on engaging in a "structured dialogue with those affected".

Acknowledging the historical significance, the king is scheduled to address the Commonwealth summit from November 1 to 4. The topic of Britain's role in slavery and the treatment of people in its former colonies has been a prominent issue during King Charles III's Caribbean visit. During his first stop in the Bahamas, the monarch recognized the "great suffering of the past".

In a clear rejection of financial compensation, Burnham stated, "I do not believe that is the right answer." He argued, "I do not think that British people today can be held liable for historical wrongs, however heinous, that happened in a different age under different laws and in which they played no personal part." Despite Britain's centuries-long profit from colonialism and the slave trade, the Labour leader firmly maintained, "I do not think that British people today can be held liable for historical wrongs."