Worldview Advisory
United Kingdom

UK agrees to time-bound talks on slave trade legacy with Commonwealth

The commitment to structured dialogue on the transatlantic slave trade could shape future UK obligations and relations with Commonwealth nations.

Photo: Yahoo News

What happened

Britain has agreed to engage in structured, time-bound, inclusive and good-faith talks addressing the historical harms of the transatlantic slave trade, according to a joint statement from Commonwealth leaders. Manchester Evening News+3 The joint communique was issued at the end of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua. Manchester Evening News+2 Leaders said the time had come for a meaningful, truthful and respectful conversation towards forging a common future based on equity. Hampshire Chronicle+2 The agreement follows Prime Minister Andy Burnham opening the door to a formal apology for Britain's role in the transatlantic slave trade. Manchester Evening News+3 Burnham has ruled out direct reparations. Hampshire Chronicle+2

Around it

Burnham said the UK must face up to the past over the brutal and barbaric violation of the slave trade and that he was open to a formal apology. BBC Earlier this week Burnham approved £40m in aid funding for the Caribbean and said the Commonwealth is more important today than ever before. Yahoo News Buckingham Palace said the King's role as head of the Commonwealth is about inspiring and convening rather than policy making. BBC The British government has never formally apologised for slavery or offered to pay reparations. BBC

What comes next

The King is due to deliver a speech on Tuesday that is expected to recognise the painful legacy of slavery, reflecting the position of the UK government. BBC

Sources

  1. Manchester Evening NewsUK to enter formal talks on slavery as Burnham signals possible apology
  2. Hampshire ChronicleUK agrees to ‘time-bound’ talks on ‘historical harms’ of slave trade
  3. Yahoo NewsUK agrees to talks to address 'historical harms' of slave trade with Commonwealth leaders
  4. The StandardUK agrees to ‘time-bound’ talks on ‘historical harms’ of slave trade
  5. BBCKing's role is not policy making, says Palace in slavery apology row

More from the United Kingdom

Worldview Advisory

Welcome to Worldview Advisory. We're a public affairs and capital markets advisory firm, focused on political risk for asset owners, investors, boards and executives. How can we help?