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UK PM Andy Burnham open to formal slavery apology but rules out reparations

By ChordNews · First written (new coverage , updated )

Andy Burnham open to calls for formal apology for Britain’s role in slave trade
Image: theguardian.com
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Summary

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he is open to calls for a formal apology on behalf of the state for Britain's role in the transatlantic slave trade, but he ruled out financial reparations. In a Guardian article published ahead of a Commonwealth leaders' summit in Antigua and Barbuda, he said British people cannot be made to pay for the wrongs of slavery. He offered formal talks with affected countries and campaign groups at home and abroad, and said he would launch a drive to restructure the debt of the poorest Commonwealth countries. Reports describe the shift as a major change in British policy, but one that is unlikely to satisfy those who hoped reparations would follow. The British government has never formally apologised for slavery despite repeated calls from Commonwealth leaders. Burnham is due to fly to the Caribbean next week as King Charles III tours the region, where colonial history has loomed over the visit and anger has surfaced. The Hindu reported that Tharoor called Burnham's omission of colonialism inexcusable.

This continues an earlier story: King Charles III faces growing calls for slavery reparations on Caribbean tour

Later: John Healey says UK apology for slave trade would not lead to financial reparations · Kemi Badenoch says Britain should not apologise for its role in the slave trade · UK PM Andy Burnham open to a slavery apology but rules out reparations as Commonwealth leaders meet · UK opposed slavery reparations on Commonwealth summit agenda, Caribbean figure says · UK PM Burnham to seek input from slavery-affected countries on formal apology · Opinion piece says debt restructuring cannot replace reparations for slavery after UK PM's apology stance · King expected to address Britain’s role in the slave trade · Readers push back on Andy Burnham's claim that today's Britons cannot be liable for slavery · Burnham offers structured dialogue on a slavery apology but rules out reparations · Miliband says a formal slavery apology would not cost UK taxpayers, and rules out reparations · UK commits to 'time-bound' talks on slavery apology · Britain weighs a formal slavery apology without reparations as Commonwealth summit row grows · Burnham pledges structured dialogue toward a first formal UK state apology for slavery, drawing on the Dutch experience · Britain debates whether an apology for slavery can be enough without reparations

Timeline

  1. The Guardian

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    Reports that Burnham, in a Guardian article, has gone further than any previous prime minister towards a formal apology and is open to calls for an official apology on behalf of the state.

  2. The New York Times

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    Reports that Burnham's openness to a formal apology for slavery is a major change in British policy but is unlikely to satisfy those who hoped reparations would follow.

  3. NBC News

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    Reports that Burnham is open to an apology for the country's role in the slave trade but has ruled out financial reparations.

  4. BBC

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    Reports that Burnham is open to calls for a slavery apology but not reparations, and that the British government has never formally apologised despite repeated calls from Commonwealth leaders.

  5. The Straits Times

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    Reports that Burnham is open to a formal apology for slavery but rules out reparations, and that he is due to attend the Commonwealth summit, where he may face demands for financial reparations.

  6. South China Morning Post

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    Reports that Burnham said on Saturday he was open to a formal UK apology for its role in the transatlantic slave trade but ruled out financial reparations, days before a Commonwealth leaders summit in Antigua and Barbuda.

  7. France 24

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    Reports that Burnham said the UK is open to apologising for the first time for its role in the transatlantic slave trade but has rejected financial reparations, as colonial history looms over King Charles' Caribbean visit.

  8. The Hindu

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    Reports that Burnham pushed back against financial reparations, saying British people could not be held responsible for historical wrongs, and that Tharoor called his omission of colonialism inexcusable.

  9. POLITICO

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    Reports that Burnham is open to a formal apology for Britain's slave trade but rejected calls for Britain to pay financial reparations.

  10. Al Jazeera

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    Reports that Burnham opens the door to a formal apology for Britain's slave trade but rules out financial reparations despite longstanding Caribbean demands.

  11. The Times of Israel

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    Reports that Burnham said British people can't be held liable for historical wrongs but will consider formally apologising, amid anger during the King's visit to former colonies, while rejecting reparations.

  12. NDTV

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    Reports that UK PM Andy Burnham is open to a slavery apology but rejects reparations, with the premier arguing that we need to face up to the past.

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