Andy Burnham has offered structured talks on a formal apology for Britain's role in the transatlantic slave trade. He rejected financial compensation but proposed improved debt arrangements for vulnerable countries.UK PM Andy Burnham.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he is willing to consider calls for a formal apology for Britain's role in the transatlantic slave trade, ahead of a Commonwealth summit where Caribbean leaders are expected to renew demands for reparations.In an article published in The Guardian on Saturday, Burnham said his government was prepared to begin a "structured dialogue with those affected by the transatlantic slave trade", during which calls for an official apology would be considered."Listening to calls for a formal apology on behalf of the British state will form an important part of this process, and I am open to them," he wrote.However, Burnham ruled out financial compensation, arguing that people living in Britain today should not be held responsible for historical actions in which they had no personal involvement. "I do not think that British people today can be held liable for historical wrongs, however heinous, that happened in a different age under different laws and in which they played no personal part," he said.COMMONWEALTH SUMMIT SET TO REVIVE REPARATIONS DEBATEThe issue is expected to feature prominently at next week's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda, where Caribbean leaders are likely to press Britain for reparations. The transatlantic slave trade saw at least 12.5 million Africans abducted and sold into slavery between the 15th and 19th centuries.
Britain transported an estimated 3.2 million people across the Atlantic, according to the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database.Caribbean governments have frequently called for reparatory justice in the form of debt relief, development funding, better access to education and healthcare, and support for climate resilience.Ahead of the summit, a spokesperson for King Charles said the monarch would not avoid confronting Britain's colonial past during his visit.He "will not shy away from confronting the most shameful aspects of the past", the spokesperson said.However, the spokesperson added that it would not be appropriate for Charles, who is head of the 56-member Commonwealth grouping, made up largely of former British colonies, to comment on specific UK government policy."It would not be appropriate for him to address matters of particular policy relating to the UK government's position," the spokesperson said.BURNHAM PROPOSES DEBT RELIEF AS ALTERNATIVEWhile rejecting direct financial reparations, Burnham said Britain could explore other forms of assistance for vulnerable countries, including changes to debt repayment arrangements.He said he wanted to "launch a new drive on debt", helping vulnerable nations "repay over a longer time period and with better rates".Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne welcomed Burnham's remarks and proposals for practical support, but made clear that the Caribbean's demand for reparatory justice remained in place."The Caribbean's longstanding position on reparatory justice remains unchanged," Browne said in a Facebook post.Charles, who continues to receive treatment for cancer, is also expected to attend the Commonwealth gathering. A senior Buckingham Palace aide said the monarch was "working as hard as ever, across time zones with packed schedules".- EndsWith inputs from