UK Prime Minister Burnham signals openness to formal apology for slave trade, rejects reparations

Prime Minister Andy Burnham told reporters ahead of a Commonwealth leaders’ summit that he is prepared to entertain calls for a formal apology on behalf of the British state for its involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. He said the government would hold structured talks with affected countries and campaign groups and expressed personal "sorrow and regret" for the suffering of millions.

Burnham rejected proposals from Caribbean governments and advocacy groups for financial reparations, stating that British citizens today cannot be held liable for historical wrongs committed under different laws. Instead, he announced a new programme, led by former prime minister Gordon Brown, to restructure debt for the poorest Commonwealth countries, aiming to extend repayment periods and secure lower interest rates.

Caribbean leaders responded cautiously. Dorbrene O’Marde, chair of the Antigua and Barbuda reparations support commission, welcomed the apology initiative but reiterated that financial reparations remain off the table. Former St Vincent and the Grenadines prime minister Ralph Gonsalves called the apology a necessary first step but said it is insufficient without reparations. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley thanked Burnham for “breaking new ground” but noted continued disagreement on reparations, emphasizing the need for broader cooperation on health, education and debt relief.

The upcoming Commonwealth heads of government meeting, which will also be attended by King Charles, will focus on partnerships, investment, climate, youth employment and trade among the 56 member states. The debt-restructuring drive is intended to address the fact that more than 40% of the poorest Commonwealth nations now spend a larger share of their budgets on interest payments than on health services.