Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated he is “open” to the possibility of the UK issuing a formal apology for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, but has ruled out financial reparations. Burnham explained that he wants a “dialogue with those affected by the slave trade” while dismissing monetary payments as “not the right answer.”
Structured Dialogue on Historical Wrongs
Writing in an article for the Guardian, Burnham characterized the transatlantic slave trade as a “brutal and barbaric violation” and stated that Britain must “face up to the past.” However, he maintained the stance of previous administrations by refusing to consider financial reparation payments.
“I do not think that British people today can be held liable for historical wrongs, however heinous, that happened in a different age under different laws and in which they played no personal part,” Burnham wrote.
Acknowledging that Commonwealth countries have spent years requesting an “honest conversation,” Burnham proposed a “structured dialogue” to engage with impacted nations. “Listening to calls for a formal apology on behalf of the British state will form an important part of this process. I am open to them,” he noted. A government source told BBC News that engaging in this process was “morally the right thing to do.”
Summit Context and Differing Responses
Burnham’s position comes ahead of his attendance at a Commonwealth leaders summit in the Caribbean next week. Caribbean countries have reiterated demands for a formal apology and reparations as King Charles III tours the region. Downing Street views reinforcing relations within the Commonwealth as beneficial to British interests, particularly as Russia and China seek to expand their diplomatic footprint, following a recent Russia-Africa summit hosted by President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley, a prominent proponent of reparations, welcomed Burnham’s comments and stated she would participate in good faith while continuing her pursuit of reparatory justice. In contrast, Denis O’Brien, founder of The Repair Campaign, described the Prime Minister’s stance as disappointing and insufficient.
“The British Government must stop obfuscating and give a full and formal apology now. This would be a significant and symbolic first step towards reparatory justice,” O’Brien stated.
English authorities and the monarchy actively participated in the slave trade beginning in the 16th century. Parliament later passed legislation abolishing slavery in 1833, which included financial compensation for British plantation owners for the loss of enslaved people—a debt the UK government only fully paid off in 2015.
