British King Charles III said at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Summit on Tuesday that the transatlantic slave trade was "a heinous act of injustice." Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is in discussions with various parties regarding whether Britain should formally apologize for its role in slavery.
Charles III stated at the Commonwealth Heads of State meeting in Antigua and Barbuda that slavery “still casts a shadow over these islands and other member states of the Commonwealth”. The Commonwealth has 56 member states, many of which were once British colonies.
Charles III said, “As I have mentioned before, that shameful history fills me with fear and causes me deep, painful sorrow from the depths of my soul.”
Charles III added, “However, history also tells us that evil does not necessarily have the final say. Character and courage can combine to create strength, and overcome the most heinous acts of injustice. Just as people were determined to end the international slave trade, the Royal Navy played an important role in that effort.”
When Charles III made these remarks, Bernham was taking advantage of the opportunity to attend this summit to discuss with leaders of Commonwealth nations whether Britain should formally apologize for its role in slavery. During the four-century-long slave trade, approximately 10 to 15 million African slaves were transported to America.
The Labour Party Prime Minister who took office in July this year said last weekend that he was willing to consider making a formal apology, but ruled out the possibility of paying the required financial compensation to some Caribbean countries.
The United Kingdom played an important role in slavery, and this historical issue has long strained relations between the UK and its former colonies. The last Commonwealth summit held in 2024 was faced with an awkward situation due to this issue.
According to AFP, the British royal family has benefited from the slave trade, but Charles III, as a politically neutral monarch, is not expected to offer a formal apology.
"Bai Jin Han Gong's representative also stated that 'it is inappropriate for the king to announce government policy changes.'"
On Monday, Burnham discussed the issue of slavery during his meeting with Mia Mottley, the Prime Minister of Barbados. This was one of the several bilateral talks that Burnham expected to hold during the summit.
The British Prime Minister’s office stated that both sides discussed how Britain could provide organized dialogue mechanisms for groups affected by the transatlantic slave trade, as well as issues related to next steps.
Bernam wrote in the British newspaper The Guardian on Saturday that in order to preserve the future of the Commonwealth, he would engage in some 'difficult conversations'.
Bernadotte said, "Listening to calls for a formal apology from the British government will be an important part of this process. I am open to it."
However, he insisted that compensation “is not the right solution,” and said that today’s Britons should not be held responsible for historical mistakes, “no matter how egregious those mistakes may have been.”
As a substitute solution, the British government is promoting a "debt restructuring" plan targeting the poorest countries within the Commonwealth. The plan was spearheaded by former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and could adjust debt repayment rates.
The UK will also allocate £40 million (approximately $54 million) over the next three years for improving infrastructure in the Caribbean region, including renewable energy facilities.
During Charles III's nine-day visit to three Caribbean countries at the age of 77, the issue of slavery has been a topic of great concern.
Last week, when Charles III arrived in the Bahamas, some protesters held signs that read "Repay the debt you owe us."
Charles III admitted during his visit to the Bahamas that there have been "deep sufferings" in history.
The UK has never formally apologized for slavery, nor has it ever agreed to pay compensation.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported on Tuesday that the UK may formally apologize during its term as the G20 rotating chair country next year.
The United Kingdom benefited from centuries of colonial rule and slavery, but the British side argues that the country also played a leading role in the abolition of slavery.
In 1833, the British Parliament passed a law that abolished slavery in most parts of the British Empire.
British opposition party leader Keir Starmer said that Britain should not apologize, as this would encourage other countries to demand financial compensation.
In the previous Commonwealth Summit held in Samoa in 2024, despite the attempt by then British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to avoid the issue of slavery, 56 member states ultimately signed a communiqué supporting discussions on historical compensation and justice.
Bernhardt stated that his government is taking "a new approach".
