British people can’t be made to pay for the wrongs of slavery – but we must confront our complicated history | Andy Burnham

31 October 2026 at 01:00

Financial reparations are not the answer. Working together with our Commonwealth family is the best way to ensure prosperity for us all

• Andy Burnham open to calls for formal apology for Britain’s role in slave trade

On 28 October 1787, Thomas Clarkson pushed through the crowds to reach the pulpit of Manchester Cathedral. A campaigner for abolishing slavery, he spoke urgently about the horrors of the slave trade and the humanity of enslaved people. “He drinks the cup of sorrow,” Clarkson said. “And he drinks it at our hands.”

During Black History Month, these are the stories it is important to remember. They show us the complicated truth of our history. Thousands of people in Manchester signed a petition against slavery after Clarkson’s sermon. And yet Manchester’s cotton industry was built on the labour of enslaved people. There are similar stories up and down the nation. We are a country where brave people led the way in abolishing slavery, but we are also a country that participated in the trade in human lives.

Andy Burnham is prime minister of the United Kingdom

Andy Burnham open to calls for formal apology for Britain’s role in slave trade

The Guardian

By: Pippa Crerar and Natricia Duncan

31 October 2026 at 01:00

Exclusive: UK PM to launch drive to restructure debt of poorest Commonwealth countries but rejects demands for reparations

• British people can’t be made to pay for the wrongs of slavery – but we must confront our complicated history | Andy Burnham

Andy Burnham has gone further than any previous prime minister towards offering a formal apology for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, in a Guardian article ahead of a Commonwealth leaders’ summit where the subject is expected to dominate.

As he prepares to fly to the Caribbean next week, the prime minister said he was open to calls for an official apology on behalf of the state and offered formal talks to those affected, including individual countries and campaign groups at home and abroad.

King Charles III can't escape Britain's role in slavery as he tours Caribbean nations

PBS News Hour - The Latest

By: Danica Kirka · Associated Press

29 October 2026 at 02:49

Facing demands that Britain apologize and pay reparations, palace officials say Charles will reiterate previous comments that slavery was an "atrocity that forever stains our history," while stopping short of an apology.

King Charles to discuss legacy of slavery with Commonwealth leaders at summit

The Guardian

By: Natricia Duncan Caribbean correspondent

28 October 2026 at 09:55

Royal tour of Caribbean comes as poll suggests majority support among younger Britons for dialogue on slavery reparations

King Charles has confirmed he will discuss the legacy of slavery at a summit with Commonwealth leaders as he begins his Caribbean tour.

The king arrived in the Bahamas on Tuesday to a ceremonial welcome and attended a youth rally at Clifford Park, the site where the country officially gained its independence from British colonial rule in 1973.

King Charles to discuss legacy of slavery with Commonwealth leaders at summit

World news | The Guardian

By: Natricia Duncan Caribbean correspondent

28 October 2026 at 09:55

Royal tour of Caribbean comes as poll suggests majority support among younger Britons for dialogue on slavery reparations

King Charles has confirmed he will discuss the legacy of slavery at a summit with Commonwealth leaders as he begins his Caribbean tour.

The king arrived in the Bahamas on Tuesday to a ceremonial welcome and attended a youth rally at Clifford Park, the site where the country officially gained its independence from British colonial rule in 1973.

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