Burnham ‘open’ to UK slavery apology, but not reparations: Why now?

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Britain is open to apologising for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, but ruled out reparations long demanded by campaigners. In an opinion article in The Guardian on Friday, he expressed sorrow for the suffering of millions and said Britain would also work on debt restructuring for the poorest countries. The announcement comes ahead of a four-day summit of more than 50 Commonwealth nations in Antigua and Barbuda, hosted by King Charles III. Caribbean nations want Britain to do more, while Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch criticised the move as “navel-gazing.”