A government plane bound for the Commonwealth leaders' summit in the Caribbean stopped in Manchester to collect Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The flight departed London Stansted at around 6am on Monday, November 2, without the Prime Minister on board, and picked him up from Manchester roughly half an hour later.
Refuelling stop in Canada
The aircraft was grounded for around an hour before setting off again via Canada for a refuelling stop. Mr Burnham is due to land in St John's later today before attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
The Prime Minister has said he is open to calls for a formal British apology for its role in the slave trade. He expressed his 'sorrow and regret for the pain and suffering of so many millions', but, in keeping with his predecessors, rejected calls for financial compensation.
Structured dialogue proposed
Writing in The Guardian, Mr Burnham said: "We are offering a structured dialogue with those affected by the transatlantic slave trade. 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."
The King arrived in the Caribbean nation on Friday before his Tuesday summit opening address, which will receive heightened interest after the Prime Minister's intervention. Charles, who as head of state is above party politics, is not expected to offer an apology or reference the change in Government policy.
