Burnham ally defends slavery apology stance after government warned over ‘very risky path’

A Labour MP has insisted the government is taking an "adult approach" to addressing the UK’s historical role in slavery, as other MPs criticised steps towards a formal apology.

Reversing long-held policy, Andy Burnham offered talks on a slavery apology during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) in Antigua, while making no commitment to financial reparations.

Conservative former deputy prime minister Sir Oliver Dowden accused ministers of being "naive" and warned that embarking on a "very risky path" could leave the Government with "no choice but to offer reparations".

Foreign Office minister Chris Elmore stressed the position on financial redress is unchanged, telling the Commons: "This constructive dialogue is time-limited, with a clear purpose, working with international partners, and it is about trying to learn from our history but move forward crucially into the future."

Pressed on the impact of an apology, Mr Elmore said: "The adult approach, the UK approach, is to respect and understand our past and move forward."

He added: "We will do this with an open mind and work towards a constructive solution over the coming year or so."

Reform UK MP Robert Jenrick (Newark) called the move "performative far-left nonsense", asking: "Why doesn’t the Prime Minister just focus on what the British people actually want, which is to cut the cost of living and do something that helps our own constituents?"

Mr Elmore responded: "There is an important piece of work to do around acknowledging our past and moving forward. As I say, I know it’s difficult for him, but nevertheless, it is really what is going to happen."

Jeremy Corbyn, Your Party MP for Islington North, said: "The issue of reparations won’t go away just because the minister wishes it to go away. The issue is live, strong, and it’s going to be debated as long as it takes to get some kind of global justice."

Mr Elmore noted: "Various governments around the Caribbean and indeed in West Africa have warmly welcomed this dialogue from the Prime Minister."

At his first Chogm, Mr Burnham pledged a "new approach" to the Commonwealth after Downing Street resisted apology calls in 2024.

A closing communique confirmed Britain has agreed to engage in discussions regarding the legacy of slavery.