On UK politics, Miliband criticises Blair slavery statement, defends Burnham plan for proper apology
Miliband’s criticism of Blair
Blair’s 2006 statement described the slave trade as “profoundly shameful” and expressed “deep sorrow that it ever happened”. It did not make a formal apology. Miliband said Blair had carried out “a kind of sorry not sorry situation”. He said Blair expressed sorrow, then apologised, before the position was walked back by No 10.
Burnham’s proposed dialogue
Andy Burnham has called for a “structured dialogue” with Commonwealth countries about the wording of an apology. He was attending the Commonwealth summit in Antigua and Barbuda. Asked whether a formal apology might be reached by the time the UK hosts the G20 leaders’ summit in Manchester next November, Miliband replied, “Broadly speaking, yes.”
Reparations remain unchanged
Miliband said the government had told its Commonwealth partners that it was willing to be open to an apology. However, he stressed that the UK would not shift its position on reparations. He said reparations were not the right answer and were not practical or feasible for the UK, while adding that there were areas for co-operation.
Key points
- Miliband said Blair’s 2006 remarks expressed sorrow but did not amount to a formal apology.
- Burnham wants structured talks with Commonwealth countries on the wording of an apology.
- Miliband said the UK would remain opposed to reparations.
- Miliband said a formal apology by next November’s G20 summit was broadly possible.