Prime Minister Andy Burnham will set out plans for a "debt reset" to help Commonwealth countries struggling with repayments, after previously signalling he was "open" to calls for a formal apology for Britain's role in the slave trade.
Speaking at the leaders' summit in the Caribbean on Tuesday, the Prime Minister will argue that efforts to support member states amid rising global interest rate costs must include non-G7 donors and the private sector. He said he wants to explore ways of helping poorer countries repay debt over a longer period and with better interest rates.
New taskforces announced
Downing Street said Britain would lead two new taskforces: one focused on critical mineral assets and vulnerabilities in supply chains across the group, and the other aimed at boosting trade and investment more widely. Both will be set up by the end of the year and report back at the next leaders' summit, officials said.
King Charles arrived in the Caribbean nation on Friday ahead of his Tuesday summit opening address.
Prime Minister's remarks
Mr Burnham said: "In today's more divided, unpredictable world, the Commonwealth has the potential to be a powerful force for good, bringing together a third of the global population, and I believe it is key that the UK plays its full role in that."
"Britain is bringing a new approach to this meeting as we look to reshape a new era for the Commonwealth, as well as being open to discussions about the past. From trade to defence and security, together Commonwealth members can drive greater growth and opportunity for all of its citizens."
Apology and reparations
The Prime Minister will also discuss with other leaders the possibility of offering a formal apology for the UK's role in the slave trade, after opening the door to a "structured dialogue" about its legacy. However, he has ruled out offering direct financial reparations.
Writing in the Guardian, he said: "I do not think that British people today can be held liable for historical wrongs, however heinous, that happened in a different age under different laws and in which they played no personal part."
Flight controversy
Downing Street was forced to defend Andy Burnham being collected in a plane from Manchester shortly after it took off from London. The flight took off from London Stansted at around 6am on Monday for Antigua and Barbuda, without the Prime Minister on board. Mr Burnham was then collected at Manchester along with his wife, Marie-France van Heel, after the flight's 34-minute journey.
Former prime minister Gordon Brown was also on the Government plane, according to PA. The trip sparked a backlash on social media with some questioning the value for money, but Number 10 said security, cost and "operational requirements" were all factored in. The Guido Fawkes website estimated the cost of the Stansted-Manchester flight as £20,000.
A spokesperson for Downing Street said: "I'm not going to comment on speculative figures. Travel costs will be published in the usual way."
