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UK PM Burnham to seek input from slavery-affected countries on formal apology

By ChordNews · First written (new coverage , updated )

PM to ask countries affected by UK’s role in slavery to help shape formal apology
Image: theguardian.com
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Summary

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham will ask countries affected by Britain's role in slavery to help shape an expected formal apology, Downing Street has indicated, arguing their input is indispensable to crafting an enduring message. He was travelling to the Commonwealth heads of government summit (Chogm) in Antigua and Barbuda, which begins on Tuesday, where No 10 said he would launch a 'structured dialogue' into what form an apology might take. The Financial Times reports that Burnham is 'open' to calls for a formal apology over Britain's historical role in the transatlantic slave trade and will set out a 'new era' and debt reset for the struggling Commonwealth. The Straits Times reports he will also set out a vision for a debt reset and stronger trade with Commonwealth countries, at a summit likely to hear calls for slavery reparations. The BBC says the talks concern the UK issuing a formal apology for the slave trade in the next year.

This continues an earlier story: UK PM Andy Burnham open to formal slavery apology but rules out reparations

Later: UK says slavery reparations are not feasible as PM floats Commonwealth debt reset · Burnham offers talks on slavery apology to ease reparations tensions

Timeline

  1. Financial Times

    Source ↗

    The Financial Times reports that UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is 'open' to calls for a formal apology over Britain's historical role in the transatlantic slave trade, and that he will set out a 'new era' and debt reset for the struggling Commonwealth.

  2. The Guardian

    Source ↗

    The Guardian reports that Andy Burnham will ask countries affected by Britain's role in slavery to help shape an expected formal apology, and will launch a 'structured dialogue' on the issue at the Commonwealth summit in Antigua and Barbuda, which begins on Tuesday.

  3. Straits Times

    Source ↗

    The Straits Times reports that British Prime Minister Andy Burnham will set out his vision for a debt reset and stronger trade with Commonwealth countries at a summit on Tuesday that is likely to hear calls for slavery reparations.

  4. BBC

    Source ↗

    The BBC reports that the prime minister is beginning talks on the UK issuing a formal apology for the slave trade in the next year, as he plans a debt reset for Commonwealth nations.

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