Burnham open to slavery apology but rejects reparations
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on MyJoyOnline
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham says he is willing to hear calls for an official apology for the United Kingdom’s historical role in slavery, but rejects financial reparations. He set out this position before the Commonwealth summit in Antigua and Barbuda, where the issue is expected to be raised, according to The Guardian.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was open to a formal apology for the United Kingdom’s historical role in the transatlantic slave trade, while rejecting calls for financial reparations, according to an article published in the Guardian. He proposed structured dialogue with the people and countries affected by a trade that enslaved at least 12.5 million Africans.
Andy Burnham believes that people in Britain today cannot be held responsible for historical events in which they did not personally participate. He nevertheless wants to launch a new debt initiative to help vulnerable countries repay over a longer period and on better terms.
Caribbean leaders are expected to advocate reparations in the form of debt relief, funding for development, education and healthcare, as well as measures to strengthen climate resilience. Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne welcomed proposals for practical assistance, while maintaining the Caribbean position on reparatory justice, according to a message published on Facebook.
The position comes ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting scheduled to take place in Antigua and Barbuda. It extends the debate opened by Andy Burnham on a British apology for slavery on 31 October and London’s proposal to ease the debt linked to reparations, announced on 1 November.
