# Burnham says UK is open to slavery apology but rules out reparations: Why now?

https://mins.news/en/item/124496

- Al Jazeera, 2026-11-01 15:24 UTC
- Politics
- Original: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/11/1/burnham-open-to-uk-slavery-apology-but-not-reparations-why-now?traffic_source=rss

> UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Britain is open to apologising for its role in the transatlantic slave trade but ruled out reparations. He also said the UK would let its most vulnerable countries repay debts over a longer period. The comments came as Commonwealth leaders gathered in Antigua and Barbuda, while Caribbean nations and campaigners continue to press for more.

## Related coverage

- [Why is the UK prime minister saying he is open to a slavery apology?](https://mins.news/en/video/124601) — BBC News, 2026-11-01
- [UK minister says apology for historic slave trade role will not bring financial reparations](https://mins.news/en/item/124240) — The Guardian, 2026-11-01
- [Burnham says UK is ‘open’ to slavery apology but rules out financial reparations](https://mins.news/en/item/123799) — France 24, 2026-10-31