Brief
Badenoch says British Empire was overall a force for good and rejects slavery apology
The Conservative business secretary criticised calls for a UK apology over the slave trade, saying it would invite money demands at the upcoming Commonwealth meeting.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Kemi Badenoch told Sky News on Sunday that she believes the British Empire was “overall a force for good”, rejecting calls for a formal UK apology for its role in the transatlantic slave trade.
She said the empire’s legacy should be viewed honestly, acknowledging “terrible things that happened all over the world in all empires”, but warned that apologising would open the door for Commonwealth nations to demand financial compensation. Badenoch added that the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua, where King Charles is expected to speak, could become “yet another opportunity for people to start asking Britain for money”.
Labour leader Andy Burnham, who earlier offered Commonwealth nations a chance to discuss a slavery apology, told Sky News that “there were terrible things that happened” but emphasized the need for “unflinching honesty” and “sincere sorrow”. He said reparations would not be part of any apology.
Badenoch said she does not want Britain to appear weak and wants the Prime Minister to defend the country rather than apologise. She argued that Britain should focus on “bringing the Commonwealth together” and looking forward, not backward.
The UK has previously issued formal apologies for historic wrongs such as the Windrush scandal, Bloody Sunday and the Hillsborough disaster. Chancellor John Healey also warned that Britons should not be expected to shoulder financial liability for past injustices.
Key facts
- Kemi Badenoch said the British Empire was overall a force for good. (independent.co.uk)
- She warned a slavery apology could lead to Commonwealth nations demanding money. (independent.co.uk)
- Andy Burnham offered a discussion of a slavery apology but said reparations would not follow. (independent.co.uk)
- The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is being hosted by Antigua next week, with King Charles expected to speak. (independent.co.uk)
- The UK has previously apologised for the Windrush scandal, Bloody Sunday and the Hillsborough disaster. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Badenoch says the empire was force for good overall: ‘We’ve had enough of apologies’”
