Burnham leaves possible Commonwealth funding unclear as UK rejects reparations

At the Commonwealth summit in Antigua, Andy Burnham ruled out reparations but declined to say whether the UK’s proposed new approach could include additional taxpayer funding. He cited existing development, debt and green-finance support and announced £40 million over three years for Caribbean infrastructure from existing budgets.

• Burnham said the UK did not support reparations for the transatlantic slave trade, while proposing a new approach involving dialogue with Commonwealth countries.· 1 source
• He did not rule out additional taxpayer contributions, saying it was premature to address that before meaningful dialogue.· 2 sources
• The UK plans £40 million over three years, from existing budgets, to accelerate infrastructure investment including green energy in the Caribbean.· 1 source