King's role not policy-making, says Palace in slavery row

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 20:14 · Archive

Buckingham Palace says King Charles has a unifying rather than policy-making role in the Commonwealth as slavery reparations are debated at a summit in Antigua and Barbuda.

Buckingham Palace has clarified that King Charles's role as head of the Commonwealth is about 'inspiring and convening, rather than policy making', distancing him from rows over reparations and apologies for the Atlantic slave trade. The King will deliver a speech on Tuesday at the Commonwealth summit in Antigua and Barbuda, where slavery is expected to dominate talks. His speech will recognise the painful legacy of slavery but will reflect the position of the UK government.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham signalled on Saturday that the UK 'must face up to the past' over the 'brutal and barbaric violation' of the slave trade and that he was 'open' to a formal apology. However, his official spokesperson clarified on Monday that whilst Burnham had 'expressed his sorrow and regret for the pain and suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade', this was 'distinct from a formal apology'. The spokesperson said Burnham thought any apology should be 'discussed properly with the countries and communities most affected'. The British government has never formally apologised for slavery or offered to pay reparations. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the UK was 'self-confident enough to have this conversation' and that dialogue would 'consider whether and how a formal apology could help acknowledge the history, help heal the division and support stronger relationships for the future'.

King's role not policy-making, says Palace in slavery row — Image: The Independent

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How it is being reported

Palace says King’s role is not about policy-making as calls grow for slavery apologyThe issue of slavery is expected to dominate talks at the Commonwealth summit in Antigua and BarbudaThe Independent · 2 Nov, 19:47
King's role is not policy making, says Palace in slavery apology rowBuckingham Palace says the King has a unifying role in the Commonwealth rather than making political decisions.BBC News · 2 Nov, 17:14

In this story: King Charles · Andy Burnham · Ed Miliband · Buckingham Palace · Commonwealth · Antigua and Barbuda · United Kingdom

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