# Burnham pledges forty million pounds for Caribbean aid

> The UK prime minister approves funding for the region while stopping short of financial reparations for slavery.
- Title: Burnham pledges forty million pounds for Caribbean aid
- Summary: The UK prime minister approves funding for the region while stopping short of financial reparations for slavery. Andy Burnham approved forty million pounds…
- Keywords: andy burnham, caribbean, slavery reparations, commonwealth, antigua and barbuda, uk foreign aid, gaston browne, kemi badenoch, politics, news, Burnham, pledges
- Source: The Independent — https://independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andy-burnham-caribbean-aid-slavery-apology-reparations-b3077944.html
- Published: 2026-11-02T23:14:55+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: andy burnham, caribbean, slavery reparations, commonwealth, antigua and barbuda, uk foreign aid, gaston browne, kemi badenoch, politics, news
## Burnham approves forty million pounds for Caribbean
Prime minister Andy Burnham has approved forty million pounds in aid funding for the Caribbean over three years to speed up critical infrastructure investment, including green energy schemes.
## Apology possible, reparations ruled out
Burnham signalled he was open to a formal apology for Britain's role in selling enslaved people for profit but ruled out offering direct financial reparations ahead of the Commonwealth summit.
## Caribbean leaders demand reparations
Antigua and Barbuda prime minister Gaston Browne joined calls for an apology, saying the consequences of slavery have not disappeared with the passage of time.

> have not disappeared with the passage of time
## UK pursues new Commonwealth approach
Burnham said the UK was pursuing a new approach and would lead two new task forces: one on critical mineral assets and supply chains, another on trade and investment.
## Badenoch warns against apology
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch urged Burnham against issuing a slavery apology, saying it would give countries a reason to ask Britain for reparations and cash compensation.

> I don't think we should be giving any money to compensate people for the slave trade
## Summit opens with heightened interest
King Charles arrived in Antigua and Barbuda on Friday ahead of Tuesday's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, where slavery reparations are expected to dominate discussions.
## Key takeaway

Andy Burnham approved forty million pounds in aid for the Caribbean over three years but ruled out direct financial reparations for Britain's role in the slave trade, though he signalled openness to a formal apology.