UK Prime Minister Burnham Open to Slavery Apology, Rejects Reparations

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he is "open" to a formal apology from the United Kingdom for its involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, while dismissing financial reparations as "not the right answer." He said a "dialogue with those affected by the slave trade" is needed and that listening to calls for an apology will be part of a "structured dialogue."

Burnham wrote in a Guardian piece that he does not believe British citizens today can be held liable for historical wrongs committed under different laws. He added that Commonwealth countries have long sought an "honest conversation" about the issue.

The comments were made ahead of a Commonwealth leaders summit in the Caribbean, where Caribbean nations have renewed demands for an apology and reparations as King Charles III visits the region. A government source told the BBC the apology would be "morally the right thing to do," and Downing Street said strengthening the Commonwealth is in the UK’s strategic interest.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley welcomed the statement and said she would engage in good faith while continuing to pursue reparatory justice. Denis O'Brien, founder of The Repair Campaign, called the statement disappointing and urged the government to issue a full and formal apology.