Andy Burnham refuses to rule out giving taxpayers’ cash to Commonwealth countries – after row over apology for slavery

2 comments 2 Next ANDY Burnham has refused to rule out that taxpayers’ cash will be spent on Commonwealth countries amid the slavery row. The Prime Minister has, until now, firmly maintained that Britain will not pay reparations for its historical role in the slave trade. 6 By suggesting the UK is open to a formal apology, the Prime Minister has raised hopes among Commonwealth leaders that Britain is moving closer to mapping out a reparations deal.

Source: Getty 6 Speaking at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, the PM refused to rule out giving away taxpayers’ money to the Commonwealth three times. Source: PA Advertisement But when pushed yesterday on whether his approach won’t involve a single penny of taxpayers’ cash, he said: “I’ve been very clear that we do not support reparations.” Asked about additional financial contributions, he said: “What we need to have is that meaningful dialogue where we take time to listen.

Sign up for the Politics newsletter Thank you! Email address Please provide a valid email. Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy You'll now receive top stories, breaking news, and more, straight to your email. “And let’s be clear, the Commonwealth is an important part of our trade too. It’s a two-way arrangement. “Trade is up between the UK and the rest of the Commonwealth in the last year, quite significantly actually.

Read more news MONEY TO BURN Taxpayers face billions bill for PM's 'catastrophic' welfare & Brexit U-turns MARCHING ORDERS Reform vows to axe diversity and inclusion in recruiting Army Cadets 6 The PM announced he has committed £40m into Caribbean projects, including green-energy schemes. Source: AP 6 Mrs Badenoch said the Prime Minister was guilty of ‘putting his foot in his mouth’. Source: Reuters “So you need to see it in that way as well.

It benefits Britain to be here, listening to people, building that new partnership and that’s good for growth in Britain.” It was revealed on Monday that the Prime Minister has committed £40m into Caribbean projects, including green-energy schemes. Advertisement He is also setting out plans to help poorer Commonwealth members grappling with increased debt costs, as part of his “new approach” to “revitalise” the partnership of the 56 countries.

Speaking at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, the PM refused to rule out giving away taxpayers’ money to the Commonwealth three times. Most read in The Sun KNIFE HORROR Twist of fate that snared UK's 'most violent' killer who fled after murders FIREBALL SHOCK Moment firefighter is engulfed in flames after vehicle explodes on busy road COLD SPARK Brits warned to wrap up warm for Bonfire Night as temps plunge to single digits FATAL ERROR?

Pilots made crucial error moments before Learjet crash killed 9, expert claims By considering investment in African and Caribbean healthcare, Burnham is overturning decades of established British foreign policy. The UK government’s longstanding policies on transatlantic slavery include no formal apologies – and financial demands are overlooked to keep official agendas off the cards. By suggesting the UK is open to a formal apology, the Prime Minister has raised hopes among Commonwealth leaders that Britain is moving closer to negotiating a reparations deal.

Advertisement Mr Burnham said: “It’s not the case that we don’t support countries in the Commonwealth around development and helping them with debt issues that they’ve got, green finance, that’s what we’ve done under all governments and, in my view, we should continue to do as part of being a Commonwealth.” 6 Andy Burnham met with many other officials, such as Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, at the official dinner and reception during the government meeting.

Source: Reuters 6 Burnham also met the Prime Minister of Tonga Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua during the meeting. Source: Getty He added: “I think it’s true that we needed to bring a new approach to this meeting of the Commonwealth and that’s what I’ve done. “We want to revitalise the Commonwealth partnership of 56 countries. It’s really important to Britain, and we should come in with a really positive agenda and that’s what we’ve done at this CHOGM.”

Advertisement Leader of the Conservatives, Kemi Badenoch , accused Burnham of putting the King under “pressure” by suggesting there may be chances of a formal apology. Mrs Badenoch said the Prime Minister was guilty of “putting his foot in his mouth”. However, it was found later that Buckingham Palace was not surprised by Andy Burnham’s statement. Yesterday, the King delivered a speech to delegates, reminding Commonwealth leaders that the Royal Navy took front stage in ending the transatlantic slave trade.

He said: “We cannot change the actions of those who came before us. We can, however, learn from the past. The transatlantic trade in enslaved persons still casts a shadow over these islands and other members of our Commonwealth. Advertisement RECOMMENDED STORIES “As I have said before, that shameful chapter of history is one that fills my heart with horror and my soul with the most profound personal sorrow. “And yet, history also teaches us that evil need not have the last word; that character and courage can combine to overcome the most monstrous injustice, as they did with the determination to end international trade in enslaved people, in which the Royal Navy played such a leading role.” 2 comments 2