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KOKO Business · 7 Nov 2026

UK Government Considers Apology for Slave Trade Role

KOKO Business | People, Ideas, Markets, Growth | UK Government Considers Apology for Slave Trade Role

The UK government is considering an apology for its historical role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade, according to Prime Minister Andy Burnham. This move aims to strengthen diplomatic ties with nations in Africa and the Caribbean.

Burnham emphasized the need for an honest conversation about the legacies of slavery, acknowledging that affected Commonwealth members have long sought such dialogue. His government is proposing a structured dialogue with those impacted by the slave trade.

Despite the potential for an apology, Burnham reiterated that Britain will not comply with demands for reparations for the slave trade. Meanwhile, Charles acknowledged the suffering caused by the past but did not offer a formal apology.