King vows action on slavery amid growing reparations calls
The King told Commonwealth leaders he felt profound personal sorrow over slavery but did not apologise.
At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua, King Charles said the transatlantic slave trade fills his heart with horror and his soul with profound personal sorrow. King Charles did not offer an apology.
King Charles committed to finding ways to address past wrongs with future action. The speech came as UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a policy shift: Britain would offer talks on a slavery apology but not financial reparations.
Calls for an apology and reparations from Britain have been growing in recent years as the 56 member nations, mostly former British colonies, seek redress.
- 56
- Member states
- Antigua
- Location of speech
- Talks on apology, no financial reparations
- UK government position
Why it mattersHow Britain addresses slavery and reparations will shape its ties with Commonwealth nations and set a global standard on handling historical wrongs.
AustraliaAs a Commonwealth member, Australia's place in these discussions could shift depending on how Britain handles reparations and relations with former colonies.
Corroborated bysmh.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
