Most Britons oppose slave trade reparations, while backing an apology

A YouGov poll found that around two-thirds of Britons oppose paying financial reparations for the slave trade, while a majority support a formal apology. The findings come amid debate over Andy Burnham’s proposal for the UK to discuss an apology with Commonwealth countries, which critics say could lead to demands for compensation.

In the poll, 62 per cent were opposed to reparations, including 49 per cent who were strongly against; 52 per cent backed an apology and 37 per cent opposed one. Support for an apology was 68 per cent among Labour’s 2024 voters, 49 per cent among white Britons and 71 per cent among ethnic minorities. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the approach would not cost taxpayers more, while the King acknowledged the slave trade’s lasting shadow but did not apologise.