# UK Open to Slave Trade Apology, Rejects Reparations

> UK Prime Minister says formal apology for slave trade role possible but financial reparations not right answer.
- Title: UK Open to Slave Trade Apology, Rejects Reparations | Shortify
- Summary: UK Prime Minister says formal apology for slave trade role possible but financial reparations not right answer. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham supports a…
- Keywords: andy burnham, transatlantic slave trade, reparations, commonwealth, debt restructuring, news, world, politics, Open, Slave, Trade, Apology
- Source: Allafrica — https://allafrica.com/stories/202611020732.html
- Published: 2026-11-02T19:19:08+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: uk, andy burnham, transatlantic slave trade, reparations, commonwealth, debt restructuring, news, world, politics
## UK Prime Minister's Stance
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham says he is open to calls for a formal apology for Britain's role in the transatlantic slave trade.

> They were denied their humanity. They were separated from their families, treated as property and worked to their deaths
## Apology Language
Burnham described the slave trade as a 'brutal and barbaric violation' against enslaved people.
## Regret and Impact
He expressed sorrow and regret for the pain and suffering of millions, saying it still shapes the world today.
## Reparations Rejection
Burnham says British people cannot be held liable for historical wrongs from a different age under different laws.
## Debt Restructuring Plan
Burnham will launch a new drive to restructure debt for the poorest Commonwealth countries.
## Key takeaway

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham supports a formal apology for Britain's role in the transatlantic slave trade but rejects financial reparations, instead pledging debt restructuring for poorer Commonwealth nations.