Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he is "open" to calls for Britain to formally apologise for its role in the slave trade, while ruling out financial reparations. Writing in the Guardian, he expressed personal "sorrow and regret" for the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade and said he wanted to offer a "structured dialogue" with those affected.
Prime Minister's Stance
Mr Burnham, who is due to attend the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in the Caribbean next week, said: "Listening to calls for a formal apology on behalf of the British state will form an important part of this process and I am open to them." His comments come as the prospect of a formal expression of regret appears closer than ever.
Caribbean and Commonwealth Context
Caribbean nations have long urged Britain to apologise for its role in selling enslaved people for profit, and for reparations, as King Charles continues his tour of the region. Before the royal trip, it was understood ministers had not advised the King to offer an apology or reparations, in keeping with established policy.
King Charles began his nine-day trip last Tuesday by acknowledging the "great suffering of the past" in a speech at a youth rally in the Bahamas. Ahead of the visit, Guyana's President Mohamed Irfaan Ali said Charles had recognised slavery as the darkest days in human history, but Mr Ali said an apology would be "the next step".
The Prime Minister's comments in the Guardian on Friday have brought the prospect of a formal expression of regret closer than before.
