UK PM Burnham says 'open' to slavery apology but rules out financial reparations
Summary
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he is open to a formal apology for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade but rejected financial reparations. He also proposed structured dialogue with affected communities and a debt restructuring effort for the poorest Commonwealth countries.Key Facts
- Burnham said he wanted to express sorrow and regret for the suffering caused by the slave trade.
- He said a formal apology on behalf of the British state should be part of discussions with affected communities.
- Burnham argued that people in Britain today should not be held liable for historical wrongs in which they had no personal part.
- He said financial reparations were not the right answer.
- Burnham plans to launch a debt restructuring drive for the poorest Commonwealth countries, led by former prime minister Gordon Brown.
- King Charles is visiting three Caribbean countries ahead of a Commonwealth leaders summit in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.
- The article says Britain has never formally apologized for slavery or agreed to pay reparations.
- The UK Parliament passed a law in 1833 abolishing slavery in most of the British Empire.
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