The Independent, on UK Politics, 2 November 2026

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Badenoch criticises Burnham's proposed plan to apologise for slavery

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Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today. Join today Already a member? Log in Badenoch criticises Burnham's proposed plan to apologise for slavery Athena Stavrou Monday 02 November 2026 07:17 GMT Bookmark popover Removed from bookmarks Close popover Burnham risks putting 'pressure' on the King with slavery apology, says Badenoch Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has claimed the British Empire was overall a force for good while criticising Prime Minister Andy Burnham for considering a formal apology for slavery.

Mrs Badenoch warned that issuing an apology ahead of the Commonwealth summit in Antigua risks making Britain look weak and opening the door to demands for financial reparations. She expressed concern that discussions around a formal apology could place undue pressure on the King during his visit to the summit. Chancellor John Healey defended considering an apology but insisted that the British public should not accept financial liability for events from hundreds of years ago.

The debate comes ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, where the King is expected to speak about the issue of slavery with sincere sorrow. In full Badenoch claims British empire was force for good overall: ‘We have had enough of apologies’

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About this analysis

The Independent's short bulletin reports Kemi Badenoch's criticism of Andy Burnham's openness to a slavery apology. It attributes her claims to her throughout and includes the government's reply through John Healey. Nothing in it misleads.

What it gets right

  • “Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has claimed the British Empire was overall a force for good”

    The Independent attributes Badenoch's contested view of the Empire to her as a claim, rather than stating it in its own voice.

  • “Chancellor John Healey defended considering an apology”

    The bulletin gives the government's response, so Badenoch's criticism is not the only voice in the piece.

  • “the King is expected to speak about the issue of slavery with sincere sorrow”

    This matches the Palace's own wording about the King's speech, reported elsewhere, and does not overstate what he will say.

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