RismadarVoice Reporters
November 4, 2026
The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its opposition to financial reparations for its historical involvement in the transatlantic slave trade but indicated that a formal apology could be issued within the next year.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband disclosed the government’s position during an interview with the BBC, following renewed discussions about slavery and reparatory justice at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.
Miliband described financial compensation as impractical, maintaining that Britain would not reverse its position on reparations.
However, he suggested that discussions with affected Commonwealth countries could produce a formal apology before the United Kingdom hosts the G20 leaders’ summit in Manchester in November 2027.
Asked whether an apology could be delivered by then, Miliband indicated that the proposed timeline was achievable.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham had earlier expressed willingness to engage Commonwealth countries in structured discussions about Britain’s historical role in slavery.
Burnham maintained that an apology should not create financial liabilities for present-day British taxpayers.
Instead, he proposed greater cooperation on development financing, including measures to ease debt repayment pressures on economically vulnerable Commonwealth countries.
The renewed debate followed remarks by King Charles III during the Commonwealth summit, where he expressed sorrow over Britain’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.
The monarch described slavery as a shameful chapter of history whose consequences continue to affect Commonwealth nations.
However, his remarks stopped short of a formal apology on behalf of the British state.
Several Caribbean countries have consistently demanded reparatory justice, arguing that the consequences of slavery and colonial exploitation continue to influence economic and social inequalities.
At the 2024 Commonwealth summit in Samoa, leaders agreed to continue discussions on the issue despite the British government’s opposition to financial compensation.
The latest position has attracted differing reactions within Britain.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has criticised proposals for a formal apology, questioning whether present-day taxpayers should bear responsibility for historical injustices.
Reparations campaigners, meanwhile, argue that an apology should be accompanied by meaningful measures to address the continuing consequences of slavery.
Miliband maintained that Britain’s willingness to discuss an apology represented an effort to acknowledge historical suffering while strengthening relations with Commonwealth partners.
The government has not announced a final decision or confirmed a date for issuing a formal apology.
Discussions with affected countries are expected to continue as Britain considers the form and scope of any future statement.
