Burnham 'open' to calls for slavery apology but not reparations
The prime minister says Britain must "face up to the past" for its role in the transatlantic slave trade but reparations are "not the right answer".
By BBC News
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he is open to calls for the UK to issue a formal apology for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, but has ruled out financial reparations.
Mr Burnham said the Government would offer a structured dialogue with people and countries affected by the slave trade. He said listening to calls for an apology on behalf of the British state would be part of that process.
He also expressed sorrow and regret for the pain and suffering caused to millions of people.
However, the Prime Minister rejected calls for financial compensation. He said reparations were “not the right answer” and argued that people in Britain today could not be held liable for historical wrongs carried out under different laws and in which they had no personal involvement.
The British government has never formally apologised for slavery or agreed to pay reparations.
Mr Burnham’s comments come ahead of a Commonwealth leaders’ summit, where the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade is expected to be discussed.
Instead of reparations, he outlined plans for a new initiative to help some of the poorest Commonwealth countries restructure debt and repay it over longer periods and at more favourable interest rates.