UK commits to ‘time-bound’ talks on slavery apology

Commonwealth leaders gathered in Antigua have announced that the United Kingdom has committed to participating in “structured, time-bound, inclusive and good-faith” discussions focused on the “historical harms” linked to the transatlantic slave trade. This commitment was highlighted in the official communiqué issued at the conclusion of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which serves as the formal record of the agreements reached by attending nations.

The 18-page communiqué specifically contains a passage where leaders express their approval of the UK government’s agreement to engage with affected parties in a meaningful dialogue about the trafficking of enslaved Africans and the resulting historical injustices. This development follows remarks made by UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who indicated openness to issuing a formal apology over the country’s involvement in the slave trade, though he dismissed the idea of providing reparations.

Details regarding the timeline for these discussions have yet to be finalized by officials. However, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has indicated that the process is expected to be completed within approximately a year. In response to questions about whether the government might issue an official apology in time to host the G20 leaders’ summit in Manchester next November, Miliband replied to BBC Newscast with the remark: “Broadly speaking, yes.