British PM: Slave Trade Apology Possible, Money Not

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham opened the door to a formal state apology for the transatlantic slave trade on Friday, while simultaneously ruling out financial reparations. He outlined this position in a Guardian article published ahead of a Commonwealth leaders' summit scheduled for Sunday in Antigua and Barbuda.

The Commonwealth includes 56 member states, many of which are former British colonies. Caribbean members of the bloc have long pressed the United Kingdom to acknowledge the legacy of slavery and provide redress. Burnham proposed structured talks with affected countries and campaign groups to determine if an official apology is appropriate. He stated that listening to calls for a formal apology would be an important part of this process and that he is open to them.

While Burnham expressed sorrow and regret for the suffering of millions of enslaved people, he rejected the idea that Britain owes financial compensation. He argued that current British citizens cannot be held liable for historical wrongs that occurred in a different age under different laws. This stance aligns with the position taken by previous British governments, even as it represents a new willingness to discuss a formal apology.

In place of direct payments, Burnham proposed an international effort to ease the debt burden on poorer nations. This initiative would involve extending repayment periods and cutting interest rates. He noted that Gordon Brown, the former British Prime Minister, would assist with the effort. Burnham cited data showing that more than 40 percent of the world's poorest and most vulnerable countries spend more on debt interest than on healthcare.

Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley welcomed the opening for talks on Saturday. In a statement reported by the Guardian, she reiterated her government's position on reparations while suggesting cooperation could also cover healthcare, education, development, and fairer borrowing terms. Antigua’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who is hosting the summit, welcomed the debt initiative and promised cooperation on renewable energy.

The Caribbean Community, known as CARICOM, has drawn up a 10-point plan for reparations. Its demands include an apology, support for health and education, and measures to address the economic and social damage left by slavery. The dispute surfaced at the last Commonwealth summit in Samoa in 2024, when leaders called for discussions about reparations despite opposition from then Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

King Charles III will also attend the summit in Antigua and Barbuda. Buckingham Palace announced that the King will not issue a formal apology for slavery during his trip, despite calls from countries in the region to do so.