Miliband says a formal slavery apology would not cost UK taxpayers, and rules out reparations

Summary

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said Britain cannot sweep its past "under the carpet" and that a formal apology for slavery would not bring costs for UK taxpayers, speaking to the BBC's Newscast. In an interview with the BBC aired on Wednesday, he said reparations were "not feasible" and that London would not "shift our position on reparations", while adding that there are things Britain can work on cooperatively with other countries. According to the South China Morning Post, the remarks come after King Charles III expressed remorse amid calls for a formal apology and compensation. The account rests on two reports, and the Post's summary cuts off before describing what else Miliband hinted at.

Timeline

1. BBC

   4 Nov 2026, 02:14 UTCSource ↗

   The BBC reports that Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, speaking to BBC Newscast, said a formal slavery apology would not bring costs for UK taxpayers and that Britain cannot sweep its past "under the carpet".

2. South China Morning Post

   4 Nov 2026, 12:26 UTCSource ↗

   The South China Morning Post reports that Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said reparations for slavery were "not feasible" for Britain, that London would not "shift our position on reparations", and that King Charles III had expressed remorse amid calls for a formal apology and compensation.