Andy Burnham will ask countries affected by Britain\u2019s role in slavery to help shape an expected formal apology, Downing Street has indicated, arguing that their input is indispensable in crafting an enduring message.<\/p>\n
The prime minister was en route to the Commonwealth heads of government summit (Chogm) in Antigua and Barbuda, which begins on Tuesday. No 10 said he would use the event to launch a \u201cstructured dialogue\u201d<\/a> into what form an apology might take.<\/p>\n UK officials already at the summit said other Commonwealth countries had responded positively to the move, and that it could help talks on separate issues such as trade and the climate.<\/p>\n In comments released by No 10 before Burnham\u2019s arrival, the prime minister said discussion of an apology marked a new approach towards the UK\u2019s relations with the Commonwealth.<\/p>\n Downing Street has ruled out the idea of paying reparations after an apology, but Burnham is expected to set out plans at the summit for a system of debt restructuring for countries facing higher debt costs.<\/p>\n \u201cIn today\u2019s more divided, unpredictable world, the Commonwealth has the potential to be a powerful force for good, bringing together a third of the global population, and I believe it is key that the UK plays its full role in that,\u201d Burnham said.\n <\/p>\n \u201cBritain is bringing a new approach to this meeting as we look to reshape a new era for the Commonwealth, as well as being open to discussions about the past.\u201d<\/p>\n King Charles visits Nelson\u2019s Dockyard in Antigua and Barbuda. No 10 denied Burnham\u2019s remarks had potentially embarrassed the monarch. Photograph: Isabel Infantes\/PA<\/p>\n Burnham set out his intention to look at a possible apology in an article for the Guardian<\/a> on Saturday, in which he said the UK should \u201cshow leadership again today\u201d as it had done in efforts to end the transatlantic slave trade.<\/p>\n Asked why Burnham believed an apology was needed, his official spokesperson said: \u201cThe prime minister wants to strengthen the Commonwealth as a family of nations with shared values that can support growth around the world through trade and economic collaboration.\u201d Having conversations about an apology would do this, and was also the right thing to do, he said.<\/p>\n