'Slavery apology' debate in England

While British Prime Minister Andy Burnham opposes demands for compensation for the historical slave trade, he responded to calls for the British state to apologize: "I am also open to such an apology." He responded with his words.

Burnham wrote an article on the slave trade in The Guardian newspaper ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held in Antigua and Barbuda on 1-4 November.

Noting Manchester's role in the abolition of the slave trade, as well as the fact that the city's cotton industry rose on the backs of slaves, Burnham said, "There are similar stories all over the country. Our country is a country that trades on human lives as well as the brave people who abolished slavery." he said.

Describing the slave trade in the Atlantic Ocean as "barbaric", Burnham said, "The fact that slaves were humans was ignored. They were separated from their families, treated like objects, and worked until they died. I want to share my sadness and remorse for the pain of millions of people." he said.

Burnham stated that the relations between the parties to slavery are intertwined today and that these nations will come together at CHOGM and seek solutions to today's challenges.

Underlining that the members of the Commonwealth affected by slavery want to discuss the issues on this issue, Burnham said, "We have damaged the functioning of the Commonwealth by burying our heads in the sand. The right thing to secure the future of the Commonwealth is to talk about these difficult issues." made his assessment.

Emphasizing that England should act honestly on this issue, Burnham said, "We led the world in abolishing slavery. We can show this leadership today. We propose to start a dialogue with those affected by the Atlantic slave trade. Listening to calls for an official apology on behalf of England will also be an important part of this process. I am also open to the request for such an apology." he said.

Responding to demands for compensation, Burnham said, "I don't think this is the right answer. I think today's Britons, who had no influence on what happened in a different era, under different laws, cannot be held responsible for the wrongs of the past." made his assessment.

Noting that he wants to start a new era with the members of the Commonwealth of Nations, Burnham stated that he will do this by confronting the past and focusing on the future.

BUCKHINGHAM: THE DECISION IS IN THE GOVERNMENT'S AUTHORITY

According to the British public broadcaster BBC, King Charles III is expected to touch upon the history of slavery in his speech at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Antigua and Barbuda.

Regarding King Charles's speech on Tuesday, November 3, Buckingham Palace Spokesperson said, "During this visit, he will not refrain from confronting the most shameful events of the past. Therefore, you can expect that he will include these issues in his speech with real sincerity and sincere sadness."

When asked whether King Charles would evaluate Prime Minister Burnham's statements, the spokesman replied that it would not be appropriate for the King to comment on the political attitude of the government. Sources close to the royal also emphasized that the decision to issue an official apology for Britain's role in the slave trade is within the authority of the government, not Buckingham Palace.