Andy Burnham has indicated that the UK will ask countries affected by Britain’s role in slavery to help shape an expected formal apology, opening a structured dialogue as the prime minister travels to the Commonwealth heads of government summit (Chogm) in Antigua and Barbuda.
Structured Dialogue at Chogm in Antigua and Barbuda
No 10 announced that the prime minister will use the summit, which begins on Tuesday, to launch discussions into what form an apology might take. UK officials already at the event reported that other Commonwealth countries have responded positively to the move, noting it could aid parallel talks on trade and climate issues. Burnham stated that discussing an apology represents a new approach toward UK relations with the Commonwealth, setting out his plans in an article for the Guardian. He argued: By sticking our heads in the sand, we have damaged the ability of the Commonwealth to function
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Downing Street has ruled out paying financial reparations after an apology. One Foreign Office official said other Commonwealth countries are responding positively to our offer of a structured dialogue
on an apology, adding: The conversations at Chogm have been focused on the positive work this alliance can do together on issues like climate and trade
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Answering your questions on the legacy of transatlantic slavery 👇 pic.twitter.com/ZY4eNHH8de
Did You Know? Tony Blair expressed deep sorrow about the slave trade and Britain’s role in it in 2006, but stopped short of issuing a formal apology.
Political Reactions and Royal Context
Downing Street denied that Burnham’s remarks had embarrassed King Charles, who is currently in Antigua and Barbuda for a pre-Chogm tour and independence day events. Buckingham Palace was made aware of the remarks in a timely manner, according to Burnham’s official spokesperson. Meanwhile, Antiguian Prime Minister Gaston Browne stated in an interview with ITV News that Caribbean nations are still pursuing reparatory justice despite the UK’s refusal to pay compensation. Browne also said: I can say to you, I am a Republican
, adding: I serve the King, and he will continue to benefit from, you know, all of the courtesies and respect as our King … but again, you know, from time to time we have to test the waters
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Just back from the office of the Antiguan Prime Minister, Gaston Browne. • insisted UK must continue to pay reparations for its role in the slavery despite Andy Burnham‘s change of approach on an apology.• Browne lashed out at Kemi Badenoch after she said UK should stop… pic.twitter.com/UOokmJIb5l
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Commonwealth heads of government summit taking place?
The summit (Chogm) begins on Tuesday in Antigua and Barbuda.
What is the British government’s position on financial reparations?
Downing Street has ruled out the idea of paying financial reparations after an apology, with officials stating they do not believe financial payments are the right answer for historic acts.
How have other Commonwealth nations responded to the announcement?
UK officials at the summit reported that other Commonwealth countries have responded positively to the offer of a structured dialogue regarding a formal apology.
How will this structured dialogue reshape the UK’s future diplomatic relations across the Commonwealth alliance?
As Chair of Labour Friends of the Commonwealth, I welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to renewing our Commonwealth partnerships.Facing Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade honestly, is an important part of that and action on debt! 👇🏽 https://t.co/jgNlPMLJOO
More on Commonwealth
A welcome step from the PM. The Transatlantic Slave Trade was one of history’s most heinous crimes. We must be honest about how the horrors of our past have shaped the present – because only then can we begin to build a fairer future for everyone.https://t.co/AzG1dsy5gz
NEW: First words on camera from PM Andy Burnham after he announced at the weekend he’s open to talks about an apology for Britain’s role in slavery (but no financial compensation).He spoke to @itvnews after we asked if he has he made things more difficult for King Charles?… pic.twitter.com/54bqxSC72J
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