Miliband says slavery apology will cost taxpayers no extra money

Ed Miliband said the Government’s willingness to consider a formal apology for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade would not cost UK taxpayers “a penny more”. His assurance contrasts with Andy Burnham’s refusal to rule out extra public spending, fuelling criticism that Labour is sending mixed signals about reparations.

Miliband said the UK remained opposed to reparations, which he called impractical, while supporting co-operative work with Commonwealth countries. Burnham has raised debt relief and other forms of support; the Government says health, education and climate projects would use existing aid budgets. The UK is also committing £40 million over three years to infrastructure investment in the Caribbean, while King Charles expressed sorrow over slavery’s legacy but did not apologise.