King to address slavery in Antigua as PM says he is open to possible UK apology

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1. 1h ago

   King Charles to Address Slavery in Antigua as PM Opens Door to Apology

   King Charles III will address slavery during a Commonwealth speech in Antigua on Tuesday, the final stop of his Caribbean tour. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated he is open to a formal apology for the slave trade, signaling a shift in government policy. However, Burnham explicitly rules out financial reparations, asserting that British citizens cannot be held financially responsible for historical wrongs. This positioning comes as the Prime Minister prepares for a Commonwealth summit amid calls from Caribbean leaders for reparations.

   Why it matters

   The British government has historically limited the monarchy's ability to apologize for the slave trade. This shift in stance occurs as the UK faces increasing pressure from Commonwealth nations to acknowledge its role in enslavement.

   What is confirmed

   • King Charles III will address slavery during a Commonwealth speech in Antigua.
   • Prime Minister Andy Burnham is open to a formal apology for the slave trade.
   • Prime Minister Andy Burnham has ruled out financial reparations for slavery.
   • King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a Sunday service in Antigua.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The UK was vehement that slavery reparations should not be on the Commonwealth summit agenda.

   What to watch next

   • The content of King Charles III's speech to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting on Tuesday.
   • The outcome of the Commonwealth summit regarding reparations calls.
   Sources used for this update (29)

   1. indiawest.com — Modi Slated For September 25 UNGA Address In New York
   2. The New York Times — Britain’s Prime Minister Says He’s Open to a Formal Apology for Slavery
   3. The Guardian — British people can’t be made to pay for the wrongs of slavery – but we must confront our complicated history
   4. NBC News — U.K. PM Andy Burnham open to apologizing for slave trade but rules out financial reparations
   5. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — UK prime minister signals the government will consider an apology for its role in the slave trade
   6. Reuters — UK PM Burnham says he is 'open' to formal apology for slavery, but rules out reparations
   7. BBC — King to address slavery during Commonwealth speech in Antigua on final leg of Caribbean tour
   8. The Guardian — Britain should not issue apology over slave trade, says Kemi Badenoch
   9. The Times — King Charles must gently rebuff the slave reparations claimants
   10. Al Jazeera — Burnham ‘open’ to UK slavery apology, but not reparations: Why now?
   11. Yahoo — King Charles' unmissable reunion moment with Queen Camilla in the Caribbean after her delayed tour start
   12. AP News — The UK’s stance on its role in the slave trade is shifting, but reparations remain off the table
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