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Kemi Badenoch the Leader of the Conservative Party, sells Poppies at Victoria Station on October 29, 2026 in London (Getty)

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has described consideration of a formal apology for Britain's role in the transatlantic slave trade as a navel-gazing distraction.

Badenoch stated that Sir Tony Blair's 2006 expression of deep sorrow and regret was sufficient and urged the Commonwealth to look forwards rather than backwards.

The Prime Minister expressed openness to an official state apology ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, while rejecting calls for financial reparations.

The UK government intends to offer debt restructuring, renewable energy support, and poverty alleviation initiatives rather than direct financial compensation.

Denis O'Brien of The Repair Campaign criticised the UK government's position, urging a full and formal apology to Caribbean nations.

In full Andy Burnham ‘open’ to calls for formal British…