British voters support Prime Minister Andy Burnham's openness to a formal apology for Britain's role in the transatlantic slave trade, but they oppose paying reparations, according to a new YouGov poll.
The survey, conducted among 2,258 adults in Great Britain between November 2 and 3, found that 52% back an official apology for the UK's involvement in the slave trade, against 37% who oppose it. However, 65% are against paying reparations to affected countries, with only 21% in favour.
Burnham's First CHOGM Trip
The legacy of the slave trade has dominated Mr Burnham's first visit to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua. Ahead of the summit, he signalled that he is open to a formal apology for Britain's role in the trade of enslaved people, while making clear that reparations are not on the table.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband reiterated that British taxpayers will not pay any more as a result of Mr Burnham's "new approach" to the Commonwealth. Speaking to BBC Newscast, he accused previous governments of a "sweep under the carpet" approach to slavery but ruled out extra financial contributions.
Miliband Rules Out Taxpayer Costs
Asked if taxpayers would contribute more, Mr Miliband said: "No. And that's – for us, that's never been what it's about. And that's why it's been important that you know, and I did have this conversation with our partners in advance. I said, 'look, we are going to say we are willing to say that we're open to an apology, but we're not going to shift our position on reparations.'"
He added: "It's not for us. It's not the right answer. It's not practical. It's not feasible for us, but there are things we can work on co-operatively."
Mr Miliband also criticised what he described as a "sorry, not sorry" from Sir Tony Blair, who in 2006 expressed "deep sorrow and regret" for Britain's involvement in the slave trade but stopped short of an official apology.
Commonwealth Welcomes Shift
Commonwealth members have welcomed the change in position on an apology from the British state. A communique to be signed at the end of the summit is expected to welcome the UK's promise of structured dialogue over the issue.
During the trip, Mr Burnham tried his hand at playing the steel drum on Wednesday, performing a rendition of Mary Had a Little Lamb alongside the Hell's Gate steel orchestra. Director Khan Cordice told him "you're a musician", to which Mr Burnham replied: "I play a little music." He was later joined by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband for a duet.
The Prime Minister previously showed off his skills when he was handed a guitar by a Ukrainian soldier on a visit to Kyiv, playing "Rusholme Ruffians" by The Smiths.
