Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has spoken out against calls for Britain to formally apologise for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, warning that such an apology could open the door to demands for financial reparations.

Speaking ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda, Badenoch criticised Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s willingness to consider a formal state apology, arguing that Britain had already acknowledged its historical involvement in slavery. The Tory leader described the renewed discussion as a “navel-gazing distraction”, insisting that the Commonwealth should focus on building stronger relationships and addressing present-day challenges rather than revisiting historical wrongs.

In a statement shared on social media, Badenoch argued that Britain should acknowledge the full history of the transatlantic slave trade, including the involvement of African kingdoms, rulers and merchants who captured, sold and profited from enslaved people. She questioned whether countries seeking an apology from Britain would also seek similar apologies from the descendants of those involved in the trade across Africa.

Badenoch also pointed to former Prime Minister Tony Blair’s statements in 2006 and 2007, when he expressed “deep sorrow and regret” over Britain's involvement in the slave trade. She argued that these statements should be sufficient and that another formal apology was unnecessary.

Speaking to Sky News, Badenoch said she was concerned that an apology could be used as a starting point for further financial demands saying:

“What I'm worried about is that this CHOGM summit is yet another opportunity for people to start asking Britain for money because of the slave trade.”

She also added that Britain should be looking towards the future and strengthening relationships across the Commonwealth rather than focusing on historical grievances. Badenoch’s comments come after Prime Minister Andy Burnham indicated that he was open to discussing a formal apology for Britain's role in the transatlantic slave trade.

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In an article for The Guardian, Burnham said Britain needed to acknowledge its complicated history and engage in meaningful discussions with Commonwealth nations affected by slavery. However, the Prime Minister has ruled out direct financial compensation, arguing that people living in Britain today should not be held financially responsible for historical events in which they had no personal involvement. Instead, Burnham has proposed helping poorer Commonwealth countries restructure their debts on more favourable terms, alongside support for renewable energy, education and poverty reduction.

Chancellor John Healey has also defended the government's position, saying that considering a formal apology does not mean accepting financial liability for the actions of previous generations.

The government’s approach has therefore drawn a distinction between acknowledging historical wrongdoing and providing financial compensation.

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