Andy Burnham opens debate on a British slavery apology
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Bénin Web TV
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham says he is ready to discuss an official apology for the United Kingdom’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, but rejects financial reparations. Instead, he proposes debt relief for poor countries, in an opinion article published by The Guardian ahead of the Commonwealth summit.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham says he is ready to discuss an official apology for the United Kingdom’s role in the transatlantic slave trade. However, he rules out paying financial reparations, in an opinion article published by the Guardian on Friday 30 October.
Andy Burnham instead proposes an international initiative to ease the debt of poor countries, notably by extending repayment periods and reducing interest rates. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown is due to contribute to this work, according to the Guardian.
The proposal is to be discussed with the countries and populations concerned at the Commonwealth leaders’ summit, scheduled for Sunday 1 November in Antigua and Barbuda. Caricom’s ten-point plan, drawn up by the Caribbean Community, also calls for measures in health and education, as well as responses to the economic and social consequences of slavery. Jamaica also approached Charles III on 7 September to request an examination of legal questions concerning a possible obligation for the United Kingdom to pay reparations.
