Burnham opens door to formal apology for Britain’s slave trade

The prime minister has ruled out financial reparations despite longstanding Caribbean demands ahead of Commonwealth leaders’ summit.Published On 31 Oct 202631 Oct 2026Britain’s prime minister has opened the door to a formal apology for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, while ruling out financial reparations.Andy Burnham set out his position in a Guardian article on Friday, ahead of a Commonwealth leaders’ summit in Antigua and Barbuda on Sunday.Recommended Stories list of 2 itemslist 1 of 2King Charles on Caribbean tour as calls grow for slavery reparationslist 2 of 2Will Andy Burnham mark a shift in the UK’s Gaza policy?end of listThe Commonwealth comprises 56 countries, mostly former British colonies, whose Caribbean members have long pressed Britain to acknowledge slavery’s legacy and offer redress.Burnham offered structured talks with countries and campaign groups affected by slavery, including discussions on whether Britain should issue an official state apology.“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,” Burnham wrote.He expressed “sorrow and regret” for the suffering of m...