Prime Minister Andy Burnham is reportedly preparing to issue a formal apology for Britain's historical involvement in the slave trade, a move that could occur within months. The announcement comes as the UK commits an additional £40 million in aid to Caribbean countries. Diplomatic sources indicate that while an apology is being considered, Downing Street insists it will not involve direct financial compensation.
The Prime Minister was expected to discuss the offer with Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who has been a leading advocate for reparations for slavery. The funding package, signed off by Burnham upon his arrival in the Caribbean, is designated for "accelerate critical infrastructure investment in the Caribbean, including renewable energy." Although not directly tied to reparations, the aid is seen as a conciliatory gesture.
Sources within Downing Street stated that a formal apology should be discussed with affected nations and communities, rather than being unilaterally decided. The UK plans to focus on potential assistance with debt restructuring and funding for climate change initiatives, as well as education and health programs, aligning with demands from reparations campaigners.
Mottley has previously suggested Barbados is owed substantial sums for past injustices. However, some political figures in the UK have voiced opposition. Kemi Badenoch criticized the idea of British taxpayers funding reparations, while Nigel Farage condemned the move as pandering to "Left-wing Caribbean governments."
The Prime Minister's travel arrangements to the region also drew scrutiny, with a private jet reportedly diverted to pick him up from Manchester, incurring an estimated £20,000 cost to taxpayers. A government spokesperson defended the travel as based on security, operational needs, and value for money.
Burnham's potential apology follows a similar situation at the 2024 Commonwealth summit, where he faced questions about slavery. Speaking from Antigua, the Prime Minister emphasized the Commonwealth's potential to focus on the future while remaining open to discussions about the past. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband described a formal apology as a "significant step," but reiterated that financial reparations are not considered a "right or feasible answer," suggesting alternative forms of amends through cooperation on education, cultural exchange, climate resilience, development, and economic opportunity.