PM to ask countries affected by UK’s role in slavery to help shape formal apology
Summary
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to propose a structured dialogue with countries and communities affected by Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade to help shape a possible formal apology. The proposal is due to be discussed at the Commonwealth summit in Antigua and Barbuda; the UK government has ruled out reparations but is expected to outline debt restructuring plans for countries facing high borrowing costs.Key Facts
- Burnham is attending the Commonwealth heads of government summit in Antigua and Barbuda, which begins Tuesday.
- Downing Street says the UK will open a structured dialogue on what form a formal apology might take.
- The government says countries and communities most affected should help shape the apology rather than the UK deciding unilaterally.
- The UK has ruled out paying reparations after an apology.
- Burnham is expected to present plans for debt restructuring for countries facing higher debt costs.
- Former prime minister Tony Blair expressed deep sorrow about the slave trade and Britain’s role in it in 2006, but did not issue a formal apology.
- The Foreign Office will lead discussions on the form of a possible apology.
- UK officials at the summit said other Commonwealth countries had responded positively to the proposed dialogue.
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