British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has opened the possibility of a formal state apology for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, while rejecting demands for financial reparations.

Burnham proposed structured talks with countries and campaign groups affected by slavery ahead of a Commonwealth leaders’ summit in Antigua and Barbuda. He said the discussions could consider whether Britain should issue an official apology.

“Listening to calls for a formal apology on behalf of the British state will form an important part of this process and I am open to them,” Burnham wrote.

He also expressed “sorrow and regret” over the suffering of millions of enslaved people, but said British people today should not be held financially responsible for historical wrongs in which they had no personal involvement.

“I do not think that British people today can be held liable for historical wrongs, however heinous, that happened in a different age under different laws and in which they played no personal part,” he said.

Debt relief proposal

Rather than financial compensation, Burnham proposed an international effort to ease the debt burden facing poorer nations. His suggestions include extending repayment periods and reducing interest rates.

Burnham said former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown would assist with the initiative. He argued that more than 40 percent of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable countries spend more on debt interest than on healthcare.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne welcomed the debt proposal and promises of cooperation on renewable energy.

Mia Mottley also welcomed the opening for talks while restating her government’s position on reparations. She said cooperation related to slavery’s legacy could include healthcare, education, development and fairer borrowing terms.

Reparations remain disputed

The Commonwealth comprises 56 countries, most of them former British colonies. Caribbean Commonwealth members have continued to press Britain to acknowledge slavery’s legacy and provide redress.

CARICOM has prepared a 10-point reparations plan. Its demands include an apology, support for health and education, and measures intended to address economic and social damage linked to slavery. The plan includes measures beyond direct financial payments.

The issue was also raised at the 2024 Commonwealth summit in Samoa, where leaders called for discussions about reparations. Britain’s opposition to financial reparations remains consistent with the position taken by previous British governments.

However, Burnham’s indication that he is willing to discuss an official apology does not amount to a commitment that Britain will issue one.

Buckingham Palace has separately said that King Charles III will not issue a formal apology for slavery during his trip.