# Andy Burnham says he is ‘open’ to UK making a formal apology for slavery as King Charles arrives in Antigua

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/andy-burnham-says-he-is-open-to-uk-making-a-formal-apology-for-slavery-as-king-charles-arrives-in-antigua/
- Published: 2026-10-31T11:07:29+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-31T12:03:37+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16254517/Andy-Burnham-apology-slavery-King-Charles-arrives-Antigua.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Americas, Government, Politics, UK, World

## Key points

- Burnham is open to a formal British apology for slavery.
- He ruled out financial reparations.
- The issue will feature at the Commonwealth meeting in Antigua.

## Summary

Andy Burnham said the government is open to considering a formal apology for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, signalling a shift from its previous position. The announcement comes as King Charles visits Antigua and Barbuda and ahead of a Commonwealth leaders’ meeting, putting the issue back on the agenda and adding pressure around the monarchy’s role in the region.

Burnham said the government would begin structured dialogue with people affected by the slave trade, and expressed sorrow and regret for the suffering caused. He ruled out financial reparations, saying he did not consider them the right answer, while Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy argued an apology would help address the legacy of empire. Charles has acknowledged past suffering during the tour, and is due to address representatives of the Commonwealth’s 56 member states on Tuesday.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.