Burnham Considers Slavery Apology Amidst Commonwealth Summit Tensions

Andy Burnham, a prominent figure in the discussion, offers a structured dialogue with those affected by the transatlantic slave trade. He states, "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."

Burnham clarifies his stance on liability. He asserts, "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."

Kemi Badenoch argues the British Empire was overall a force for good. She claims an apology ahead of the Commonwealth summit risks making Britain appear weak and could open the door to demands for financial reparations.

Badenoch also claims discussions around a formal apology could place undue pressure on the King during his visit. An FCDO official, however, claims that reports of Andy Burnham opening the door to slavery payouts are "completely untrue."

Jamaica's Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, seeks "meaningful talks on reparatory justice." Dawn Butler elaborates on the concept of reparations, stating, "Reparations takes many forms. It’s not just about financial reparations. One of the leading requests of reparations is to stop the harm – that is a form of reparations."

Butler continues, "Having a conversation about the complicated history, that is a form of reparation. Understanding the structures that are in place that are designed to continue discrimination in one form or another, dismantling that, that is a form of reparation. Discussing international aid is a part of reparations."

Britain has provided £75 million to Nigeria and £2.4 million to Jamaica this year. Mr Burnham plans to propose a drive on debt-servicing to assist countries with better rates and longer repayment periods.

The UK insisted the matter of reparations should not be on the Chogm agenda. Ralph Gonsalves, former prime minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, claims Britain was vehement on this point, with British and Canadian officials raising the prospect that the British prime minister would not attend if the issue was on the agenda.

Despite this, some Caribbean nations have made renewed calls for Britain to apologise for its role in selling enslaved people for profit, and for reparations.