Burnham open to slavery reparations
The gist
British PM Andy Burnham said he is open to a formal slavery apology but ruled out financial reparations.
The stance precedes a Commonwealth summit where Caribbean leaders still press for reparatory justice.
How it unfolded
- Oct 30, 2026Burnham's Guardian op-ed was published, saying Britain is "offering a structured dialogue with those affected by the transatlantic slave trade" and that he is "open" to calls for a formal apology on behalf of the British state.
- Oct 31, 2026Burnham said he was "open" to the UK issuing a formal apology for its role in the transatlantic slave trade but ruled out financial reparations, days before the Commonwealth leaders summit.
- Oct 31, 2026Burnham wrote that British people today "played no personal part" and cannot be held liable for historical wrongs, and announced a debt restructuring drive for the poorest Commonwealth countries led by former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown.