I’ve 'come to listen to people', says Burnham as King set to open Commonwealth summit

ITV News · Chris Ship · 2026-11-03 12:40 UTC

It comes after the prime minister said he was open to 'listening to calls for a formal apology' over Britain's role in the transatlantic slave trade.

King Charles will open the Commonwealth summit in Antigua on Tuesday as the prime minister prepares to "reach out and listen" to countries who insist the British government should pay financial compensation for its role in the slave trade.

Andy Burnham is attempting to face off those demands by offering to redirect money from the UK’s overseas aid budget, but government sources insist it will involve no additional spending and any financial assistance cannot be regarded as ‘reparations’.

He told ITV News he was bringing "a new approach to the Commonwealth" and that "the whole aim here is to "come and listen to people".

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