Miliband assures no taxpayer costs from UK's planned slavery apology

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has asserted that the UK government’s potential formal apology for its role in the transatlantic slave trade will not incur additional costs for British taxpayers. During an appearance on the BBC's Newscast podcast, Miliband emphasized that the Prime Minister has ruled out reparations to affected nations but did not clarify whether the new approach could involve any form of financial compensation.

This renewed discussion comes as the government seeks to address a long-standing issue that many believe has been ignored. Miliband criticized past administrations for their reluctance to confront the painful legacy of slavery, referencing former Prime Minister Tony Blair’s comments from 2007, which he described as a "sorry not sorry" approach. Miliband noted that Blair expressed regret over the UK's involvement but did not fully acknowledge the weight of the issue, which has been a point of contention in discussions with leaders from Commonwealth countries, including Barbados.

Miliband highlighted that the matter has persisted for over two decades, worsened by recent diplomatic challenges. He recalled an incident during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa in 2022, which he described as a "verbal punch up" regarding the legacy of slavery. The Foreign Secretary stated that the government now feels it is essential to openly confront this historical injustice rather than ignore it, as it has been a significant topic in conversations among Commonwealth leaders.

Looking ahead, the UK government is initiating a "structured dialogue" with nations affected by slavery, with the expectation that a formal apology may be delivered around the time of the G20 Summit in Manchester in November 2027. Miliband asserted that addressing this issue is not a sign of weakness but rather a reflection of a nation's strength in confronting its past. He underscored the importance of understanding the historical context, noting that over three million people were forcibly transported under appalling conditions, with many not surviving the journey.