UK Pledges £40 Million to Caribbean Nations Amid Slavery Apology Talks
Prime Minister Andy Burnham to discuss historical reparations and future economic strategies at Commonwealth summit in Antigua.
Carla Rooney
Andy Burnham will pledge £40 million for Caribbean projects at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
Prime Minister Burnham stated, "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."
He added that the Commonwealth, uniting a third of the global population, has the potential to be "a powerful force for good" in a divided world.
The King arrived in Antigua on Friday. He will formally open the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) and preside over the event as head of the Commonwealth, but will not participate in policy discussions.
I don’t think we should be giving any money to compensate people for the slave trade, and I don’t think that Andy Burnham needs to be apologising because it is a lever to wedge open the door to ask for cash.
Mia Mottley, the Barbadian leader, advocates for an apology and reparations from Britain. The Prime Minister reportedly met with Ms Mottley and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Kemi Badenoch, however, rejected the notion of financial compensation for the slave trade. She stated, "I don’t think we should be giving any money to compensate people for the slave trade, and I don’t think that Andy Burnham needs to be apologising because it is a lever to wedge open the door to ask for cash."
Opponents of Prime Minister Burnham claim his openness to talks about a formal slavery apology has put the King under pressure. The King's role is understood to be about "inspiring and convening, rather than policy making."
Two new taskforces are expected to be established by the end of the year. They will present their findings at the next leaders' summit.
The UK will also hold the rotating presidency of the G20 group of countries next year.