PM plans debt re-set for Commonwealth nations as slavery apology talks begin
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting to discuss a potential formal apology for the slave trade and a debt reset for member nations. The UK government aims to address historical grievances while maintaining its stance against direct reparations.
Why it matters
This represents a significant shift in UK diplomatic strategy regarding historical colonial legacies and economic support for Commonwealth nations.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, King Charles III with Prime Minister Andy Burnham at a Commonwealth Business Forum in Antigua
Political editor, in Antigua Published 19 minutes ago The prime minister will join the King at the formal opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua later - and begin talks with fellow leaders about the UK issuing a formal apology for the slave trade in the next year.
As part of the discussions, Downing Street said Andy Burnham would set out his plans for what it is calling a "debt reset" to support Commonwealth countries having to deal with the growing costs of paying interest on their debts.
The issue of reparations, compensation to those who were the victims of slavery, has dominated debate in the build up to this summit, in which representatives from 56 Commonwealth countries are meeting.
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