Andy Burnham will ask countries affected by Britain’s role in slavery to help shape an expected formal apology, Downing Street has indicated, arguing that their input is indispensable in crafting a enduring message.
The prime minister is en route to the Commonwealth heads of government summit (Chogm) in Antigua and Barbuda, which begins on Tuesday. No 10 said he would use the event to launch a “structured dialogue” into what form an apology might take.
UK officials already at the summit said other Commonwealth countries had responded positively to the move, and that it could help talks on separate issues such as trade and the climate.
In comments released by No 10 before Burnham’s arrival, the prime minister said discussion of an apology marked a new approach towards the UK’s relations with the Commonwealth.
Downing Street has ruled out the idea of paying reparations after an apology, but Burnham is expected to set out plans at the summit for a system of debt restructuring for countries facing higher debt costs.
“In today’s more divided, unpredictable world, the Commonwealth has the potential to be a powerful force for good, bringing together a third of the global population, and I believe it is key that the UK plays its full role in that,” Burnham said. “Britain is bringing a new approach to this meeting as we look to reshape a new era for the Commonwealth, as well as being open to discussions about the past.”
Burnham set out his intention to look at a possible apology in an article for the Guardian on Saturday, in which he said the UK should “show leadership again today” as it had done in efforts to end the transatlantic slave trade.
Asked why Burnham believed an apology was needed, his official spokesperson said: “The prime minister wants to strengthen the Commonwealth as a family of nations with shared values that can support growth around the world through trade and economic collaboration.” Having conversations about an apology would do this, and was also the right thing to do, he said.
Tony Blair expressed “deep sorrow” about the slave trade and Britain’s role in it in 2006, but stopped short of a formal apology.
Burnham intended to go further, his spokesperson said. “The prime minister, like his predecessors, has expressed his sorrow and regret for the pain and suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade, and recognised the way it still shapes our world today.
“That is distinct from a formal apology. We are opening a structured dialogue with those affected by the transatlantic slave trade, and listening to calls for a formal apology on behalf of the British state, and that will form an important part of that process.
“We think it’s right that a formal apology is discussed properly with the countries and communities most affected, rather than simply deciding unilaterally what form it should take. An apology of this significance should be informed by the people and countries most affected, as they have asked for.”
Burnham is scheduled to take part in a series of assemblies at Chogm, as well as bilateral meetings with other leaders.
There was no single event set aside to discuss slavery or an apology, but discussions would take place “throughout the next couple of days”, No 10 said, adding that the Foreign Office would lead talks over the form of an apology.
The foreign secretary, Ed Miliband, is already at the summit. One Foreign Office official said other Commonwealth countries “are responding positively to our offer of a structured dialogue” on an apology.
“The conversations at Chogm have been focused on the positive work this alliance can do together on issues like climate and trade,” they said. “By not shying away from difficult discussions about our past, we are building trust with our allies to focus on the big issues of the future.”
No 10 denied that Burnham’s comments had potentially embarrassed King Charles, who is already in Antigua and Barbuda for a pre-Chogm visit.
Buckingham Palace “was made aware in a timely manner”, Burnham’s spokesperson said. “The prime minister believes that being true to British values of decency and honesty means not shying away from these conversations.”
