UK commits to talks on slavery apology
The UK has agreed to engage in "structured, time-bound, inclusive and good-faith" talks with countries affected by the transatlantic slave trade, Commonwealth leaders announced on Friday. The commitment was made in a joint communique following the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.
According to the document, the talks will address the "historical harms" of the slave trade, which the UK government has acknowledged as a painful chapter in its history. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has ruled out reparations, but has expressed openness to a formal apology on behalf of the UK. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has suggested that the talks could conclude within a year, with the possibility of a formal apology by the time the UK hosts the G20 leaders' summit in Manchester next November.
The UK's commitment to the talks is seen as a significant step towards addressing the legacy of the slave trade, which has been a long-standing demand of many Commonwealth countries. The talks are expected to be a key aspect of the UK's efforts to develop trust and offer reassurance to countries affected by its historical actions.
