UK agrees to Commonwealth talks on slavery’s historical harms

Commonwealth leaders have welcomed the United Kingdom’s agreement to hold structured, time-bound talks with affected parties on the historical harms of the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans. The commitment was recorded in a joint communique at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda; officials have not set a timetable for the dialogue. The communique describes the proposed discussions as inclusive and conducted in good faith, and says they should address the trafficking of enslaved Africans and its historical harms. It frames the dialogue as an opportunity for a meaningful, truthful and respectful conversation toward a common future based on equity. UK officials said the timetable would be agreed later. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has indicated that the process could conclude within 12 months. Asked whether a formal apology might be on the table by the UK’s G20 summit in Manchester next November, Miliband replied, “Broadly speaking, yes.” That was an indication of a possibility, not an agreed decision or schedule. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has signalled openness to a formal apology for Britain’s role in the slave trade, while ruling...