Burnham 'open' to slavery apology - as King continues Caribbean tour
Andy Burnham has said he is "open" to calls for Britain to make a formal apology for its role in the slave trade as the King continues his tour of the Caribbean.
By Sky News
Andy Burnham has said he is open to calls for Britain to make a formal apology for its role in the transatlantic slave trade.
The Prime Minister made the comments as King Charles continued a Caribbean tour and prepared to attend a Commonwealth leaders’ meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.
Mr Burnham said the Government would offer “structured dialogue” with people affected by the slave trade, including countries and campaign groups.
“Listening to calls for a formal apology on behalf of the British state will form an important part of this process and I am open to them,” he said.
He also expressed his “sorrow and regret” for the pain and suffering caused to millions of people, and acknowledged that the legacy of the slave trade continues to affect the world.
However, Mr Burnham ruled out financial reparations. He said people in Britain today could not be held liable for historical wrongs and that payments were not the right answer.
The comments come as Caribbean countries renew calls for the UK to apologise for its role in the slave trade and consider reparations.
King Charles has acknowledged the “great suffering and injustices of the past” during the tour, but has not issued a formal apology.
Mr Burnham and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband are due to join the King in Antigua and Barbuda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.