Story perspectives

Burnham Apologizes for Slave Trade, Rejects Reparations

By Drooid · Oct 31, 2026 · How we work

Read the story

Story summary

Summary

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham apologized for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.
Burnham said he supports a formal state apology but ruled out financial reparations.
He announced a debt-service restructuring drive for the poorest Commonwealth nations, led by former PM Gordon Brown.
Antigua’s Dorbrene O’Marde welcomed the apology while Barbados’ Mia Mottley said reparations differ but debt goals align.

1 of 1

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham apologized for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.
Burnham said he supports a formal state apology but ruled out financial reparations.
He announced a debt-service restructuring drive for the poorest Commonwealth nations, led by former PM Gordon Brown.
Antigua’s Dorbrene O’Marde welcomed the apology while Barbados’ Mia Mottley said reparations differ but debt goals align.