Andy Burnham’s intervention is important. Because when it comes to Britain’s role in the transatlantic trade, the collective amnesia is stunning Departing from his predecessors’ stances, the UK prime minister, Andy Burnham, surprised us all when he stated he was open to listening to calls for an apology for the UK’s role in centuries of transatlantic enslavement. King Charles is expected to speak with “unflinching honesty” and “sincere sorrow” about the UK’s role in the transatlantic slave trade at the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Antigua and Barbuda today. Burnham was quick to add that financial reparations were off the table. But he was in favour of discussions about debt restructuring – one of the key concerns of the Caribbean community (Caricom) and the African Union. The opposition, led by Kemi Badenoch, argued that apologies were a distraction. Beyond political bicke
British people don’t need to apologise for slavery – but the government does | Olivette Otele
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Speech by Charles marks formal opening of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) in Antigua Q: Do you think the UK should reconsider Commonwealth membership, given other countries just keep asking us for slavery reparations? Badenoch said she did not agree with that “because most Commonwealth countries aren’t doing this”. China did all sorts of things. It’s not out there apologising. The purpose of the apology is to make us look weak. It is to make this country look weak. And once we start looking weak, then we have every man and his dog making demands and sending us an invoice, which the British taxpayer has to pay. Continue reading...
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Burnham denies proposing return to free movement in talks with EU
Prime minister says he is committed to manifesto red lines and ‘public need to be the boss’ on future relationship UK politics live – latest updates Andy Burnham has denied proposing a return of free movement in talks between the UK and EU, saying any decision about the future relationship will be led by the will of the British people. His comments came as two senior ministers expressed caution about the talk of the UK returning as a full member of the EU or single market and the consequences of a return to free movement. Continue reading...