Brief

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham says government will consider a slave‑trade apology

Burnham announced the possibility while preparing for a Commonwealth leaders meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 31 Oct 2026 17:14:17 GMT

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said his government will consider apologising for Britain’s role in the trans‑Atlantic slave trade, aiming to improve relations with African and Caribbean nations.

What happened

In a Guardian op‑ed published on Saturday, Burnham argued that Britain must acknowledge its "complicated history" to protect the Commonwealth, a group of 56 independent states that evolved from the former empire. He is scheduled to travel to Antigua and Barbuda next week for a Commonwealth leaders summit.

What the reports add

The Associated Press piece notes that Burnham described the need for an "honest conversation" with Commonwealth members affected by the slave trade, saying that ignoring the issue has "damaged the ability of the Commonwealth to function." He also said the government will start a "structured dialogue" with those communities, while rejecting calls for reparations.

What was said

Burnham told the Guardian, "For years, those members of the Commonwealth affected by the slave trade have asked for an honest conversation about the legacies of slavery. By sticking our heads in the sand, we have damaged the ability of the Commonwealth to function." He added, "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."

How it came about

The proposal follows ongoing diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties with former colonies. Burnham’s upcoming visit to Antigua and Barbuda will be the first Commonwealth leaders meeting since the announcement, providing a forum for the proposed dialogue.

Key facts

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the UK will consider apologising for its role in the trans‑Atlantic slave trade. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Burnham wrote in the Guardian that Britain must acknowledge its "complicated history" to protect the Commonwealth. (winnipegfreepress.com)
He announced a "structured dialogue" with communities affected by slavery, while rejecting reparations. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Burnham will travel to Antigua and Barbuda next week for a Commonwealth leaders meeting. (winnipegfreepress.com)