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

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has opened the door to a formal apology for the nation's historical role in the transatlantic slave trade, while maintaining the position of previous governments by ruling out financial reparations. Burnham set out his position in a Guardian article published on Friday, ahead of a Commonwealth leaders' summit in Antigua and Barbuda on Sunday.

The 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. He stated that listening to calls for a formal apology on behalf of the British state will form an important part of this process and noted that he is open to them. While expressing sorrow and regret for the suffering of millions of enslaved people, he rejected financial compensation, arguing that modern British citizens cannot be held liable for historical wrongs from a different age.

Instead of financial payments, he proposed an international effort to ease the debt burden on poorer nations by extending repayment periods and cutting interest rates. He noted that former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown will assist with the initiative, pointing out 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 but reiterated her government’s position on reparations, suggesting cooperation could cover healthcare, education, development, and fairer borrowing terms. Antigua’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who is hosting the summit, welcomed the debt initiative and promises of cooperation on renewable energy. Meanwhile, CARICOM has drawn up a 10-point plan for reparations covering an apology, support for health and education, and measures to address economic and social damage. King Charles III is also attending the summit, though Buckingham Palace has stated he will not issue a formal apology during his trip.

Andy Burnham considers a formal apology for the slave trade while rejecting financial reparations ahead of the Commonwealth summit.

Burnham pm britain

Why it matters

The discussions signal a shift in how the British government approaches the legacy of the slave trade during international summits. By addressing debt burdens and offering structured talks on apologies rather than financial payouts, the policy impacts diplomatic relations across former colonies and influences global debates on historical redress.