Burnham offers structured dialogue on a slavery apology but rules out reparations

Summary

Andy Burnham wrote in the Guardian at the weekend of his "sorrow and regret for the pain and suffering of so many millions of people" and pledged to listen to calls for a formal apology as part of a structured dialogue with Caribbean governments. He reiterated that financial reparations will not be offered, but indicated a willingness to discuss aid, investment and the restructuring of debt. King Charles did not apologise when he addressed the Commonwealth heads of government meeting (Chogm) in Antigua and Barbuda on Tuesday. A Guardian editorial welcomes the shift as a necessary process that has at last begun, but says Caribbean governments need more than words.

Timeline

1. The Guardian

   3 Nov 2026, 18:31 UTCSource ↗

   In an editorial, The Guardian says Andy Burnham's commitment to a structured dialogue with Caribbean governments on apologising for slavery is a step forward, but that they need more than words.