Burnham open to slavery apology but rules out reparations

The short version

• Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he is open to a formal UK apology for the transatlantic slave trade.[BBC News]
• He ruled out financial reparations, saying they are not the right answer and that living British people cannot be held liable for historical wrongs.[BBC News]
• Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley welcomed the statement but still seeks reparatory justice, while campaigner Denis O'Brien called it inadequate.[BBC News]

Key facts

• Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he is open to the UK issuing a formal apology for its role in the transatlantic slave trade.[BBC News]
• Burnham ruled out considering financial reparations, saying they are not the right answer.[BBC News]
• In a Guardian article, Burnham wrote that British people today cannot be held liable for historical wrongs committed in a different age under different laws.[BBC News]
• Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley welcomed Burnham's statement, saying she would engage in good faith while still seeking reparatory justice.[BBC News]
• Denis O'Brien, founder of The Repair Campaign, said Burnham's statement was disappointing and did not go far enough.[BBC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Burnham 'open' to calls for slavery apology but not reparationsBBC News - Top Stories
• ‘Reparations now’: King and Burnham face protests at Antigua Commonwealth summitThe Guardian - World
• U.K. PM open to slave trade apology but rules out financial reparationsNBC News - Top Stories
• UK PM signals the government will consider an apology for its role in the slave tradeABC News - International
• UK PM Burnham says 'open' to slavery apology but rules out financial reparationsFrance 24
• Burnham opens door to formal apology for Britain’s slave tradeAl Jazeera