Afghanistan, Nov. 1 -- British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he is open to a formal apology for Britain's role in the transatlantic slave trade but has rejected financial reparations ahead of a Commonwealth summit in the Caribbean.
In an article published in The Guardian on Friday, Burnham said the UK would begin structured dialogue with countries and communities affected by slavery, adding that listening to calls for a formal state apology would be an important part of the process.
He also expressed sorrow and regret for the suffering of millions of enslaved Africans and acknowledged that the legacy of slavery continues to shape the world.
However, Burnham ruled out financial compensation, arguing that people living in Britain to...