UK commits to 'time-bound' talks on slavery apology
Summary
The UK has agreed to structured, time-limited talks with affected parties about the transatlantic slave trade and its historical harms, according to a Commonwealth leaders’ statement. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he is open to a formal apology but rules out reparations; Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said talks could finish in about a year.Key Facts
- The Commonwealth meeting’s final communiqué says the UK agreed to inclusive, good-faith talks with affected parties about the slave trade and its historical harms.
- Officials said the talks’ timeframe will be agreed later.
- Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband suggested the talks may conclude in around a year.
- Asked whether the UK might issue a formal apology by the G20 summit in Manchester next November, Miliband said, “Broadly speaking, yes.”
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he is open to a formal apology on behalf of the UK but ruled out reparations.
- King Charles III said the transatlantic slave trade still casts a shadow over Commonwealth members and expressed profound sorrow about it.
- Commonwealth leaders met in Antigua and Barbuda.
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