By Fatma Younis
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has dismissed the consideration of a formal UK apology for the transatlantic slave trade as a "navel-gazing distraction" ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda next week.
Badenoch argues Commonwealth should look forward
In a lengthy social media post, Badenoch said slavery was "an evil in which people from every continent and region participated" and argued the Commonwealth should be "looking forwards, not backwards." She pointed to former prime minister Tony Blair's 2006 expression of "deep sorrow and regret" over Britain's involvement, saying there is no need to apologize again.
Prime Minister open to official apology
The remarks come after Prime Minister Andy Burnham wrote in the Guardian that he was "open" to calls for an official state apology before traveling to the Caribbean summit. Badenoch countered that Britain has already confronted its history and highlighted the UK's leading role in ending the slave trade.
Reparations demands questioned
Badenoch also questioned whether future Commonwealth summits would be "worth the effort" if Caribbean nations continue to demand reparations. The UK government has rejected financial compensation, instead proposing a drive to restructure debt for the poorest Commonwealth countries to allow longer repayment periods with better rates.
Senior ministers to attend summit
Chancellor John Healey, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and former prime minister Gordon Brown will join Burnham at the meeting. The UK also pledged support for renewable energy transitions, amplifying smaller nations' voices, educating women and girls, and tackling poverty and inequality.
Campaigners demand full apology
Denis O'Brien, founder of The Repair Campaign, called the prime minister's statement disappointing and insisted a full formal apology is a necessary first step toward reparatory justice. He said the demand from the 15 Caricom countries will not be quelled before the Antigua summit.
