# Andy Burnham warned over slavery apology – ‘he’ll be asked for money next’

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/andy-burnham-warned-over-slavery-apology-hell-be-asked-for-money-next/
- Published: 2026-11-06T06:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-06T06:19:37+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Express (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2263681/slavery-reparations-denounced-cynical-mercenary
- Topics: Middle East, UK, World

## Key points

- Sir John Jenkins says an apology could fuel calls for reparations.
- Andy Burnham supports considering an apology but opposes payments.
- A 2023 study proposed £18.8 trillion across 14 countries.

## Summary

Sir John Jenkins, a former British ambassador, has criticised calls for reparations for Britain’s role in the slave trade, describing them as a “cynical and mercenary shakedown”. He argues that Andy Burnham’s openness to an apology could encourage campaigners to seek payments, and says Britain’s willingness to concede to demands risks weakening its position.

Burnham has said he is open to an apology but has opposed reparations. A 2023 study proposed that the UK pay £18.8 trillion for its involvement in slavery across 14 countries. Jenkins also criticised the Prime Minister’s support for an apology and structured dialogue, while former home secretary Suella Braverman said Britain should neither apologise nor make taxpayers pay for actions centuries ago.

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