Britain has ruled out paying financial reparations for its historical involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, despite growing calls from former colonies for an official apology and compensation.
The country’s Foreign Secretary, Ed Miliband, stated this position during an interview with the BBC aired on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, insisting that financial compensation was neither practical nor feasible.
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He said the government was, however, open to exploring other areas of cooperation with Commonwealth countries.
It’s not the right answer.
It’s not practical.
It’s not feasible for us, but there are things we can work on co-operatively, Miliband said.
He also maintained that Britain would not change its position on reparations.
However, the foreign secretary suggested that the UK could issue a formal apology for its role in the slave trade next year, when it hosts the G20 leaders’ summit in Manchester.
Asked whether such an apology could be made by the meeting in November 2027, Miliband responded, “Broadly speaking, yes,” while making clear that an apology would not lead to financial compensation.
The debate has intensified following comments by Prime Minister Andy Burnham at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.
Burnham proposed a possible “debt reset” arrangement for some of the poorest Commonwealth countries, which could involve adjusting interest rates on their existing repayments.
He said Britain did not support reparations but remained willing to assist Commonwealth nations with development challenges and debt-related issues.
Britain’s historical involvement in slavery has remained a source of tension in its relationship with former colonies, with several countries calling for reparatory justice.
At the 2024 Commonwealth meeting in Samoa, member countries supported discussions on reparatory justice after the British government, then led by Keir Starmer, resisted addressing the issue.
Meanwhile, King Charles III has expressed regret over the historical injustice, describing slavery as a “monstrous injustice” that continues to affect Commonwealth nations.
Speaking at the opening of the summit during his nine-day Caribbean tour, the monarch said the legacy of slavery still casts a shadow over the islands and other members of the 56-nation Commonwealth.
He also expressed his “horror” at the history of slavery but stopped short of issuing a formal apology, while highlighting Britain’s eventual role in abolishing the practice.
The British government’s position has also generated criticism within the country.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch and sections of the right-wing press have criticised Burnham’s approach to the reparations debate.
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Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to conclude their Caribbean tour and depart Antigua and Barbuda on Wednesday.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
