Burnham signs Britain up to 'time-bound' talks on the 'historical harms' of slavery after opening the door to an apology

A joint Commonwealth communiqué confirms that the UK has pledged to enter a "structured, time-bound, inclusive and good-faith dialogue" with nations affected by the transatlantic slave trade. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband hinted a formal apology could come as early as next year's G20 summit in Manchester, though he insisted reparations are "not feasible" and would not shift the government's position. Burnham has already pledged £40m in aid for Caribbean nations, while King Charles emphasised how Britain helped bring the slave trade to an end and cautioned that "we cannot change the past."

Miliband told the BBC Tony Blair's "sorry not sorry" response to slavery set back progress, and vowed No10 would not repeat it.

Commonwealth leaders declared that the moment had arrived for a "meaningful, truthful and respectful conversation towards forging a common future based on equity."

Kemi Badenoch and right-wing critics have rounded on Burnham's approach, while protesters outside the summit held signs demanding a full apology.