Palace says King’s Commonwealth role is non-political as slavery debate reaches summit

Politics · First reported 2 Nov, 17:14 · Updated 18:07

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

Buckingham Palace says the King’s role is to bring people together, not make policy, as Commonwealth leaders prepare to discuss slavery’s legacy in Antigua and Barbuda. The UK government has not formally apologised or offered reparations; Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he is open to discussing an apology but has ruled out financial compensation.

Buckingham Palace says the King’s Commonwealth role is “inspiring and convening, rather than policy-making”; his speech at the summit is expected to address slavery’s legacy and reflect the UK government’s position.
Burnham has expressed sorrow and regret and said he is open to discussing a formal apology, while ruling out financial reparations.
Antigua and Barbuda’s prime minister has called for discussion of reparations, while Kemi Badenoch has opposed an apology.

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Key facts

Summit location: Antigua and Barbuda
Palace description of the King’s role: “Inspiring and convening, rather than policy-making”
Burnham’s position: Open to discussing a formal apology; rules out financial reparations
UK government record: Has never formally apologised for its role in the transatlantic slave trade