# Labour has a ‘culture of capitulation’… and it will cost us amid slavery row, warns former top diplomat

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/labour-has-a-culture-of-capitulation-and-it-will-cost-us-amid-slavery-row-warns-former-top-diplomat/
- Published: 2026-11-05T23:48:16+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-06T00:03:27+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16270167/Labour-culture-capitulation-cost-amid-slavery-row-warns-former-diplomat.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: UK, World

## Key points

- Sir John Jenkins says Labour’s concessions risk inviting further demands.
- Andy Burnham is willing to apologise for Britain’s role in slavery.
- Direct reparations are ruled out; £40 million is planned for Caribbean infrastructure.

## Summary

Former diplomat Sir John Jenkins has accused Labour of a “culture of capitulation”, arguing that concessions over Britain’s past and overseas disputes could invite further demands and weaken the UK’s position. His warning comes as Prime Minister Andy Burnham prepares to discuss Britain’s role in the slave trade with Commonwealth leaders and is willing to make a formal apology.

In a Policy Exchange report, Jenkins cites the Chagos Islands, the Falklands, and responses to the IRA, Iran and Islamists as examples of what he sees as damaging retreats. He points to claims for £18 trillion in slavery reparations after a UN vote, while Burnham has ruled out direct reparations but is open to other support, including help with debt repayments. The UK is also set to provide £40 million for Caribbean infrastructure, with Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband saying the process could conclude within a year.

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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.