By Basant El-Faramawy
Black voters in the UK have expressed profound anger, hurt and disbelief over Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s recent comments on transatlantic slavery, according to David Weaver, chair of Operation Black Vote (OBV). Weaver urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to issue a formal apology for Britain’s historical role in slavery without delay.
Operation Black Vote chair condemns remarks
Weaver, a former government adviser, said both Labour and Conservative leaders risk alienating black voters with their handling of a state apology. He described Badenoch’s assertion that an apology would be “a lever to wedge open the door to ask for cash” as showing a “troubling absence of moral leadership.” OBV, a non-partisan civil rights group founded in 1996, said the comments were “profoundly insulting” and highlighted deep feeling within black communities.
Prime minister’s position on apology
Burnham has indicated openness to a formal apology on behalf of the British state but has ruled out reparations. Weaver welcomed the prime minister’s willingness to apologise but criticised the government’s insistence that any apology come with assurances that reparations are off the table. He argued only the prime minister can address the hurt felt by descendant communities and demonstrate moral courage.
Wider concerns about political climate
Weaver said Badenoch’s remarks reflect broader concerns about the UK’s political climate, noting that black voters feel “despondent” and “taken for granted” by Labour, particularly over the Windrush scandal aftermath. He stressed that an apology for slavery should be an expression of genuine remorse, not a managed political statement, and that reparative justice is not solely about money.
Badenoch’s record on race
Badenoch, who became the first black woman to lead a major British party in 2024, advocates a “colour-blind” approach to race. However, Weaver pointed to her appointments of hard-right figures and plans to scrap the public sector equality duty and leave the European Court of Human Rights. He said many black voters mistrust her lack of empathy and that she sometimes voices views her white counterparts could not. Downing Street and the Conservative Party were approached for comment. Commonwealth leaders have said the UK agreed to “structured dialogue” over the next year.
