Burnham signals openness to apology as reparations debate reaches Commonwealth summit

Politics · First reported 2 Nov, 02:45 · Updated 03:16

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

Andy Burnham said he is open to listening to calls for a formal British apology for the slave trade, while rejecting financial compensation and proposing debt-servicing measures instead. The issue is drawing attention ahead of the Commonwealth leaders’ summit in Antigua and Barbuda.

Burnham said a formal apology could be discussed, but ruled out financial compensation for historical wrongs.
He proposed structured dialogue and a debt-servicing initiative, while Caribbean nations have renewed calls for an apology and reparations.
The King is due to deliver the summit’s opening address; the Irish News snippet says the Prime Minister will fly to Antigua and Barbuda on Monday.

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Key facts

Summit location: St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.
Summit dates: Sunday to Wednesday.
Burnham’s position: Open to listening to calls for a formal apology; rejects financial compensation.
Alternative proposal: A debt-servicing initiative intended to help countries repay over a longer period and at better rates.