Burnham open to slavery apology, rejects financial reparations

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he is open to calls for Britain to formally apologise for its role in the slave trade. He dismissed the prospect of financial reparations.

Burnham is scheduled to attend the Commonwealth heads of government meeting (Chogm) in the Caribbean next week. He conveyed his personal sorrow and regret for the anguish inflicted by the transatlantic slave trade.

“Some have called for financial reparations for the slave trade. I do not believe that is the right answer.”

In a piece for The Guardian, he described the trade as a brutal and barbaric violation of individuals treated as property and worked to their deaths. He said he wants to express sorrow and regret for the pain and suffering of millions.

Caribbean countries have intensified calls for Britain to acknowledge its role in profiting from enslaved people and to provide reparations. The calls coincide with the King’s tour of the area.

Burnham said he is offering a structured dialogue with those affected by the transatlantic slave trade. Listening to calls for a formal apology on behalf of the British state will form an important part of this process.

Following the approach taken by previous leaders, he fell short of entertaining any notion of reparation payments. He said he does not believe financial reparations are the right answer.

Chancellor John Healey, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and former prime minister Gordon Brown will join him at the summit.