Andy Burnham to discuss ‘formal apology’ to countries affected by Britain’s role in slavery during his Caribbean trip

ANDY Burnham is set to use his trip to the Caribbean to discuss issuing a formal apology for Britain’s role in slavery. The PM will meet fellow Commonwealth leaders and begin talks on whether the UK should say sorry for the 17th and 18th century trade. He revealed at the weekend he is open to calls for a formal state apology, but Downing Street has refused to entertain financial compensation. Mr Burnham will now set out plans to enter a “structured dialogue” recognising Britain’s role. It would be the first time a PM has issued such an apology. No10 said: “We think it’s right that a formal apology is discussed properly with the countries and communities most affected, rather than deciding unilaterally what form it should take. READ MORE ON POLITICS “An apology of this significance should be informed by the people and countries most affected as they ask for it. “Acknowledging the horror of the slave trade and considering a formal apology for Britain’s role does not accept present day financial liability.” The King and Queen acknowledged slavery while in Antigua and Barbuda yesterday. They toured a museum where slavery artefacts include shackles. The King also had a surprise meeting with British actor Sir Idris Elba, who told him: “Sorry about the Prime Minister.” Most read in The Sun It is thought he was talking about Gaston Browne, the PM of Antigua and Barbuda, who is demanding Britain pays reparations for slavery. Buckingham Palace said the King will not shy away from the “darkest days of our past”. His speech to the Commonwealth heads of government today is set to be “unflinchingly honest”. In St John’s, Mr Burnham fell playing cricket with one of the game’s greats, Sir Viv Richards. He joked: “My running between the wickets needs a bit of work.”