Sir John Jenkins, the UK's former ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Iraq, has warned that Andy Burnham's openness to apologising for Britain's role in the slave trade will only encourage those who believe the country is now more likely to pay reparations.
In a new report for the Policy Exchange think tank, the former Foreign Office director for the Middle East and North Africa condemns Britain's "culture of capitulation" and argues that its readiness to back down has emboldened adversaries. He compares the push for reparations to a "cynical and mercenary shakedown" of a guilt-ridden West by "professional grievance entrepreneurs".
Burnham's Position and the Reparations Debate
Mr Burnham, who has faced Commonwealth leaders wanting the legacy of slavery addressed, has said he is "open" to an apology but has resisted calls for reparations. A major study suggested in 2023 that the UK should pay £18.8 trillion for its involvement in slavery in 14 countries.
Sir John, who also served as ambassador to Iraq, describes claims made in support of reparations as ranging "from the ignorant to the bizarre". He writes that many observers find it bizarre that people alive today with no personal connection to the slave trade should pay money to those claiming injury in the present through descent from the enslaved.
Criticism of Government Approach
The former diplomat accuses the Prime Minister of "misplaced optimism" for thinking an apology and a "structured dialogue" will deter calls for slavery reparations. He warns that Britain risks paying the modern equivalent of the Danegeld, the protection money paid to Vikings.
Sir John cites further examples of Britain caving in to demands against its national interest, including the deal to hand control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and the agreement to release terrorists as part of the Northern Ireland peace process.
Professor John Bew, who advised four prime ministers on foreign policy, warns in the report's foreword that British diplomacy is too often seen as the "soothing of tensions rather than the art of getting your own way".
Political Response
Former Home Secretary and Reform UK's Suella Braverman responded to the report, saying: "Britain played a leading role in abolishing slavery and spent huge sums of money stamping it out across the world… We will not apologise or make taxpayers pay for the actions of those before us centuries ago. Giving into these demands shows weakness, not leadership."
Guyana's President has separately said descendants of slavers should pay reparations.
