Andy Burnham is being urged to reject proposals to pay reparations for Britain’s historic involvement in the slave trade to Caribbean nations as the row over the issue intensifies.

Former foreign secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind branded the suggestion “illogical” and warned they should be rejected.

It comes as pressure mounts on the prime minister from left-wing Labour MPs to agree to reparations after he said he was willing to consider a formal apology.

But Downing Street has also moved to deny claims that Mr Burnham is considering some payouts to recognise Britain’s historic involvement in the slave trade .

An FCDO official familiar with the discussions told The Independent : “Our Commonwealth partners are responding positively to our offer of a structured dialogue- the conversations at CHOGM have been focused on the positive work this alliance can do together on issues like climate and trade.…