Prime Minister Andy Burnham will set out a “debt reset” for Commonwealth nations and begin discussions on a formal UK apology for the slave trade at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua, Downing Street said.
Burnham will join the King at the formal opening of the summit, which brings together representatives of 56 Commonwealth countries. The debt proposal is aimed at members struggling with rising interest payments on their borrowing.
Reparations dominate the summit agenda
The question of reparations, or compensation for the victims of slavery, has shaped the debate in the run-up to the meeting. Burnham said “Britain is bringing a new approach to this meeting”, an acknowledgement that the previous gathering in Samoa two years ago went badly for the UK.
Ahead of that summit, then Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said reparations were not on the agenda. Other Commonwealth leaders insisted they should be.
In an article for the Guardian, Burnham wrote that Commonwealth members affected by the slave trade had long asked for an honest conversation about its legacy. “By sticking our heads in the sand, we have damaged the ability of the Commonwealth to function,” he said.
UK position: apology possible, payments ruled out
Burnham, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and former Prime Minister Gordon Brown are leading efforts to reduce tension over the issue. The government says it will not pay reparations but is likely to issue a formal apology for the slave trade for the first time next year, when the UK holds the rotating presidency of the G20.
In a social media video, Miliband said a formal apology is something “the British government are open to”. He called it a “significant step” but said ministers do not consider financial reparations “the right or feasible answer to transatlantic slavery”, adding that British taxpayers should not be asked to make payments for historic acts.
Badenoch opposes an apology
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has urged Burnham not to apologise. She said no money should be given to compensate people for the slave trade, and argued that an apology would be “a lever to wedge open the door to ask for cash.”
New UK-led task forces
Downing Street said the UK would lead two task forces among Commonwealth nations. One will focus on critical mineral assets and supply-chain vulnerabilities across the group. The other will aim to increase trade and investment. Both will be established by the end of the year and report to the next leaders’ summit, officials said.
British officials are hopeful that the approach will open room for wider discussion over the two days of the summit. British diplomats regard the Commonwealth as a useful forum for talks with developing countries, and one that does not include China, the United States or Russia.
Key questions
What is the UK’s debt reset proposal?
Downing Street describes it as a plan to support Commonwealth countries facing growing interest costs on their debts. Burnham will set out details at the summit.
Will the UK pay slavery reparations to Commonwealth nations?
No. Miliband said financial reparations are not the right or feasible answer.
Will the UK apologise for the slave trade?
Ministers say an apology is under consideration and is likely next year, during the UK’s G20 presidency.
How many countries attend CHOGM?
Representatives of 56 Commonwealth countries are meeting in Antigua.
