Andy Burnham expressed "sorrow and regret for the pain and suffering of so many millions of people" over slavery and the slave trade in a statement ahead of the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Antigua and Barbuda. The deputy prime minister pledged to listen to calls for a formal apology as part of structured dialogue with Caribbean governments.
Burnham reiterated that the UK government will not offer financial reparations. He indicated willingness to discuss aid, investment and debt restructuring instead.
King Charles did not apologize when he addressed the gathering on Tuesday. The editorial states that a process of reconciliation and redress has begun, though Caribbean governments and campaigners have sought both an apology and reparations payments.