Burnham to ask countries hit by slavery to help shape UK formal apology

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham will ask countries affected by Britain's role in slavery to help shape an expected formal apology, Downing Street has indicated. He is travelling to the Commonwealth heads of government summit (Chogm) in Antigua and Barbuda, which begins on Tuesday. The Commonwealth is a grouping of countries, many of them former British territories. No 10 said he will use the event to start a "structured dialogue" on what form an apology might take.

Officials say the input of affected countries and communities is essential to making the message lasting. His spokesperson said such an apology should be informed by those most affected, as they have requested, rather than decided unilaterally.

Background

Burnham set out his intention to consider an apology in an article in the Guardian on Saturday, arguing that the UK should "show leadership again today", as it did in efforts to end the transatlantic slave trade. In 2006, Tony Blair expressed "deep sorrow" over the slave trade and Britain's part in it but stopped short of a formal apology. Burnham's spokesperson said the prime minister, like his predecessors, has expressed sorrow and regret, but that this is distinct from a formal apology on behalf of the British state.

Debt, trade and climate

Downing Street has ruled out paying reparations after an apology. However, Burnham is expected to present plans at the summit for a system of debt restructuring for countries facing higher debt costs.

UK officials already at the summit said other Commonwealth countries had responded positively and that the move could help talks on trade and climate. A Foreign Office official said that not shying away from difficult discussions about the past builds trust with allies. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is already at the summit. There is no single event on slavery, but discussions will take place over the next couple of days, with the Foreign Office leading talks on the form of an apology.

No 10 denied that Burnham's comments had potentially embarrassed King Charles, who is already in Antigua and Barbuda for a visit before the summit. The spokesperson said Buckingham Palace was made aware in a timely manner.