Politics
Burnham to open Commonwealth dialogue on slavery apology as Palace distances King
November 2, 2026 at 11:26 PM · Updated 17m ago
Coverage
3 reports · over 7 hours
BNBBC News
PM plans debt re-set for Commonwealth nations as slavery apology talks begin
(opens the publisher’s site)
TGThe Guardian
PM to ask countries affected by UK’s role in slavery to help shape formal apology
(opens the publisher’s site)
BNBBC News
King's role is not policy making, says Palace in slavery apology row
(opens the publisher’s site)At the Commonwealth summit, Prime Minister Andy Burnham will open a structured dialogue with affected countries on a formal slavery apology.
- Downing Street said Burnham will launch a structured dialogue with affected countries on the form a formal apology might take.
- Downing Street ruled out financial reparations, with Burnham expected to set out plans for debt restructuring.
- Buckingham Palace said the King's role as Commonwealth head involves inspiring and convening, rather than policy making.
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch rejected "endless talk about apologies" as a distraction from solving current problems.
- Burnham will join King Charles III at the formal opening of the Commonwealth summit in Antigua.
- Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and former prime minister Gordon Brown are involved in talks to defuse the reparations debate.
- Burnham's talks with leaders could lead to a formal UK apology for the slave trade within the next year.