British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has expressed openness to a formal state apology for Britain's historical involvement in the transatlantic slave trade while rejecting financial reparations, ahead of next week's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.
His remarks come amid renewed demands from Caribbean leaders for reparatory justice and greater acknowledgment of Britain's role in slavery.
Writing in the Guardian, Burnham proposed a structured dialogue with countries and communities affected by the transatlantic slave trade, describing the practice as a brutal violation of human rights.
He said considering demands for an official apology would form part of that process.
However, Burnham maintained that contemporary British citizens should not bear financial responsibility for historical injustices committed under different laws.
His position continues the approach of previous British governments, which have neither formally apologised for slavery nor offered reparations.
Between the 15th and 19th centuries, millions of Africans were forcibly transported across the Atlantic, including an estimated 3.2 million carried by Britain.
Burnham also proposed measures to ease debt burdens on vulnerable countries, including longer repayment periods and improved borrowing terms.
Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne welcomed Burnham's willingness to engage and his proposals for practical assistance but reaffirmed the Caribbean's longstanding commitment to reparatory justice.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley similarly welcomed the statement while maintaining her government's pursuit of reparations.
Caribbean leaders have frequently framed reparatory justice around debt relief, development financing, education, healthcare and climate resilience rather than direct compensation alone.
Bell Ribeiro-Addy, chair of Britain's parliamentary group for Afrikan Reparations, welcomed the acknowledgment but argued that the government had fallen short by withholding a formal apology.
Meanwhile, King Charles III acknowledged historical suffering during his Caribbean tour, which included visits to the Bahamas and Guyana.
The debate comes as Britain seeks to strengthen Commonwealth relationships amid growing international competition for influence.
Despite Burnham's proposed dialogue and financial assistance measures, the central disagreement over reparations remains unresolved ahead of the summit.