# King Charles Faces Pressure Over Slavery Apology After PM Signals Willingness > Prime Minister Andy Burnham has signalled the UK is open to a formal apology for slavery, prompting Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch to warn that the King could face pressure. The King is not expected to apologise, but the debate continues. - Publisher: Briefzora (https://briefzora.com) - URL: https://briefzora.com/king-charles-faces-pressure-over-slavery-apology-after-pm-signals-willingness - Published: 2026-11-01T15:25:02+05:00 - Author: Briefzora Desk (https://briefzora.com/author/briefzora-desk) - Section: Politics - Topics: Labour Party, Conservative Party, Commonwealth - Image: https://briefzora.com/uploads/2026/11/andy-burnham-piling-pressure-on-king-charles-kemi-blasts-after-pm-r-l8bglj.webp ## Key points - Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the UK is "open" to a formal apology for slavery. - Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch warned that King Charles could face pressure to apologise. - Chief Secretary Emma Reynolds confirmed the government is considering an apology but has ruled out financial reparations. - The King will address the Commonwealth summit after acknowledging the "great suffering of the past" in the Bahamas. - A UN judge estimated the UK owes more than £18 trillion for its historic role in slavery. ## Why it matters The debate over a formal apology touches Commonwealth nations seeking recognition and accountability for the legacy of slavery, affecting diplomatic relations and public sentiment. ## Article Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the United Kingdom is "open" to issuing a formal apology for its role in slavery, a move that has drawn criticism from Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch who warned the monarch could face pressure. Burnham, 46, stated that the PM has been "putting his foot in his mouth" since taking office. Badenoch, speaking to Sky News, said if the Prime Minister "starts going in to do things which the sovereign is not doing", it could create pressure on the King. She added, "I don't think that this is what our prime minister should be doing." The MP had earlier criticised Burnham for shifting the government's stance, noting that a Guardian article suggested the UK could be "open" to a formal apology to Commonwealth members affected by slavery. Badenoch argued that King Charles is not expected to apologise and that Tony Blair's 2007 statement of "deep sorrow and regret" should suffice. She urged the government to focus on current issues such as wars in Europe and the Middle East, and to "look at how we can bring the Commonwealth together". Badenoch said the country needs to move forward rather than dwell on the past, noting modern slavery still exists in Commonwealth nations. When asked by Sky News' Fraser Nelson whether the PM was attempting to push the King, who is touring the Caribbean, into a political stance on slavery, Badenoch replied that the PM likely did not consider the repercussions of his comments. She added that she doubts Burnham had consulted Buckingham Palace before making his remarks. Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds told Times Radio that the government is considering a formal apology but has ruled out financial reparations, stating that "the British people today should not be held liable for historic wrongs." She said the apology would be a discussion point, acknowledging that Commonwealth heads of government have been asking for it. The comments come after a Palace spokesman said the King would confront the slavery issue with "unflinching honesty" and "sincere sorrow". The summit in Antigua and Barbuda follows repeated calls from Commonwealth members for the UK to issue an apology and pay reparations. A UN judge in 2023 estimated the UK owes more than £18 trillion for its historical role in slavery. Courtiers have spent months negotiating the issue, and the King will address the Commonwealth summit days after acknowledging the "great suffering of the past" in the Bahamas. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is King Charles expected to apologise for slavery? No, King Charles is not expected to apologise for slavery. ### What did the government say about financial reparations? The government said financial reparations are not on the table. ### What did the UN judge claim about the UK's debt? The UN judge claimed the UK likely owes more than £18 trillion for its historical role in slavery. --- When citing, please link to https://briefzora.com/king-charles-faces-pressure-over-slavery-apology-after-pm-signals-willingness and name Briefzora as the source.