Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he is open to a formal British state apology for the country’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, while ruling out financial reparations for historical slavery. Speaking ahead of the Commonwealth summit in Antigua and Barbuda, he offered structured dialogue with affected countries and communities.
Prime Minister says Britain must confront its history
Writing in The Guardian on 30 October 2026, Burnham expressed sorrow and regret for the suffering inflicted by the transatlantic slave trade and acknowledged its continuing effects. He said calls for a formal apology on behalf of the British state would be considered as part of structured discussions. No formal apology has been issued or agreed.
Financial reparations remain ruled out
Burnham explicitly rejected financial compensation for historical slavery, arguing that people living in Britain today should not be held personally liable for historical crimes in which they played no part. The distinction is between discussing official recognition and accepting a financial compensation obligation. Caribbean leaders and reparations advocates continue to press for broader measures.
Government proposes international debt initiative
The Prime Minister also proposed an international effort to ease debt-servicing burdens on poorer countries, potentially through longer repayment periods and more favourable interest rates. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has been asked to help develop the work with the Chancellor and Foreign Secretary. No binding international agreement, new funding allocation or completed debt restructuring package has been announced.
Caribbean leaders seek practical outcomes
Caribbean governments and campaigners have sought an apology alongside broader reparatory justice measures. Their proposals have included development, education, healthcare and measures addressing economic inequalities. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has identified possible areas of cooperation, while regional representatives have questioned the exclusion of financial reparations.
King Charles faces calls for an apology
King Charles III has acknowledged the suffering and injustice associated with slavery during his Caribbean visit ahead of the Commonwealth meeting. Campaigners have urged the monarchy to offer a formal apology. The King has not issued a state apology, and Burnham’s statement does not amount to an instruction for him to do so.
What happens next?
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda runs from 1 to 4 November 2026. Burnham’s offer could lead to talks on the terms of a possible state apology, while his separate debt initiative requires international cooperation. The Government has neither agreed financial reparations nor issued a formal apology. The outcome of discussions remains open.