Mottley welcomes UK slavery apology talks despite reparations divide

Prime Minister Mia Mottley has welcomed Britain’s willingness to discuss a formal apology for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, even as disagreement over financial reparations remains unresolved.

Barbados is prepared to enter structured talks with the United Kingdom through CARICOM despite British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s rejection of financial compensation, she said, insisting that differences should not prevent progress on other aspects of reparatory justice.

“Dialogue matters because we are not yet on the same page on every element. On reparations in particular, our views differ, and we will say so plainly and respectfully. Honest disagreement on some questions should not hold back progress on the many others where we can readily agree,” she said in a statement on Friday responding to Burnham.