Miliband says slavery apology will not bring cost for UK taxpayers

Key Points:

• Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband affirmed that the UK government's consideration of a formal apology for its role in the transatlantic slave trade will not increase costs for British taxpayers, despite the Prime Minister ruling out reparations payments.
• Miliband criticized previous government approaches, particularly former Prime Minister Tony Blair's "sorry not sorry" stance, and highlighted ongoing tensions within the Commonwealth over the issue, including a verbal dispute at the 2022 CHOGM in Samoa.
• The government plans to begin a "structured dialogue" with affected countries, aiming to potentially issue an official apology around the time of the 2027 G20 Summit in Manchester.
• Miliband emphasized the importance of confronting Britain's historical involvement in slavery, noting the UK's complicity in transporting over three million enslaved people under brutal conditions over several centuries.
• He argued that acknowledging this painful history is a sign of national strength and integrity, reflecting a willingness to face uncomfortable truths while maintaining pride in the country.