Kemi Badenoch defends British Empire ahead of Commonwealth summit
Kemi Badenoch has stated her belief that the British Empire was “overall a force for good” while criticising Andy Burnham for considering an apology for slavery, reports BritPanorama.
The Conservative Party leader acknowledged the presence of “terrible things that happened” but maintained during an interview with Sky News that similar atrocities occurred across all empires and regions, regardless of colonisation.
This statement comes as the Commonwealth leaders’ summit approaches, set to take place in Antigua next week. King Charles is expected to address the issue of slavery with “unflinching honesty” and express “sincere sorrow”.
The focus on the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting has intensified following Burnham’s offer to Commonwealth nations for discussions regarding a slavery apology from Britain, although he clarified that financial reparations would not be proposed.
Badenoch warned that Burnham’s actions might pressure the King during his visit, asserting that such discussions could undermine Britain’s image on the global stage. “It encourages many of those countries to think that we’re looking weaker than we are,” she stated, emphasising the importance of presenting the UK as a strong nation.
“I don’t want people to see Britain as a weak country. We are a strong country, and I want our Prime Minister to be the biggest defender of the UK, not another person going in to start apologising,” she added. “We’ve had enough of apologising. It’s time for us to move on.”
When pressed on her views regarding the British Empire, Badenoch reiterated, “I have always said that I think that overall the British Empire was a force for good, and I think that we have to be honest about the history.” She noted that acknowledging past wrongs does not require overlooking the positive aspects of British influence abroad.
She argued against formal apologies for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, citing concerns over potential financial implications and future demands. “What I’m worried about is that this Chogm summit is yet another opportunity for people to start asking Britain for money because of the slave trade,” she remarked.
Badenoch’s sentiments were mirrored by Chancellor John Healey, who stated that Britons should not carry financial liability for historic events that occurred long before their time. He explained, “But he doesn’t believe that reparations are the right approach… considering a formal apology doesn’t mean accepting that British people now should accept the financial liability for any part in things that happened hundreds of years ago, in which they had no role.”
As discussions continue surrounding Britain’s historical narrative, the upcoming summit may reignite complex dialogues about reparations and accountability, reflecting a society still grappling with its colonial past.
