By Sohaib Shams
UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has criticized former Prime Minister Tony Blair’s 2006 statement on the slave trade as a “sorry not sorry” apology, while defending Andy Burnham’s initiative to open talks on a formal UK apology at the Commonwealth summit in Antigua.
Miliband Criticizes Blair’s 2006 Statement
In an interview with the BBC’s Newscast podcast, Miliband said Blair’s 2006 expression of “deep sorrow” fell short of a formal apology and was later walked back by Number 10. Miliband described it as a “kind of sorry not sorry situation” that left people feeling the issue had been swept under the carpet.
Burnham Seeks Structured Dialogue on Apology
Burnham, attending the Commonwealth heads of government meeting, has called for a “structured dialogue” with member countries on the wording of an apology. Miliband indicated the government could reach a formal apology by the time it hosts the G20 summit in Manchester next November.
Government Rules Out Reparations
Miliband stressed that the UK is not offering reparations, saying the new approach would not cost taxpayers more. He said the government had told Commonwealth partners in advance that it was open to an apology but would not shift its position on reparations, which it considers neither practical nor feasible.
Today’s Westminster Schedule
Meanwhile, Health Secretary Yvette Cooper and Education Secretary Lucy Powell are giving evidence to Commons committees, while Deputy Conservative Leader Alex Burghart faces First Secretary of State Louise Haigh at Prime Minister’s Questions at noon. Burnham is due to record a pooled TV interview later today.
