# Burnham ‘open’ to calls for slavery apology but not reparations

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/burnham-open-to-calls-for-slavery-apology-but-not-reparations/
- Published: 2026-11-04T02:02:47+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Politics (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5398239je88o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Geopolitics, Government, Politics, UK, World

## Key points

- Burnham is open to a formal state apology.
- He says financial reparations are not the answer.
- The debate comes ahead of a Commonwealth summit in the Caribbean.

## Summary

Andy Burnham says he is open to calls for a formal UK apology for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, while rejecting financial reparations. He says Britain should face its past through a structured dialogue with affected communities, as renewed calls for an apology coincide with the Commonwealth leaders’ summit in the Caribbean.

The British government has never formally apologised or offered reparations. Burnham argues people today should not be financially liable for historical wrongs; supporters of an apology say acknowledging Britain’s role is not enough. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch opposed taxpayer liability, while Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said Britain has a duty to apologise.

## Coverage

- [BBC Politics: Burnham ‘open’ to calls for slavery apology but not reparations](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5398239je88o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)
- [Daily Mail: Burnham’s apology openness reignites Caribbean reparations calls during royal tour](https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16255505/Burnham-slave-trade-pledge-sparks-new-reparations-row-King-told-dont-say-sorry-Caribbean-tour-PMs-ill-timed-intervention-triggers-fresh-calls-billions.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490)

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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.