BURNHAM OPENS DOOR TO FORMAL APOLOGY FOR BRITAIN’S SLAVE TRADE

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he is willing to discuss a formal apology for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, while rejecting financial reparations.

He outlined his position ahead of Sunday’s Commonwealth leaders’ summit in Antigua and Barbuda, where Caribbean countries are expected to renew calls for accountability over slavery’s legacy.

Burnham proposed structured talks with affected countries and campaign groups, saying an official apology would form an important part of those discussions.

He expressed “sorrow and regret” for the suffering of enslaved people but argued that present-day Britons should not be held financially responsible for historical actions in which they played no personal part.

Instead, he proposed international measures to ease poorer countries’ debt burdens, including longer repayment periods and lower interest rates.

Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is expected to assist with that initiative.

Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley welcomed the prospect of talks but maintained her government’s support for reparations. She said cooperation could also address healthcare, education, development and fairer borrowing terms.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne also welcomed the debt proposal and plans for renewable-energy cooperation.

Caribbean regional bloc CARICOM has a 10-point reparations plan covering more than financial compensation. It includes an apology, support for public services and measures to address slavery’s lasting social and economic consequences.

King Charles III will attend the summit, although Buckingham Palace has said he will not deliver a formal apology during the visit.