PM to ask countries affected by UK’s role in slavery to help shape formal apology

Andy Burnham to launch ‘structured dialogue’ on issue at Commonwealth summit in Antigua and Baruda

Andy Burnham will ask countries affected by Britain’s role in slavery to help shape an expected formal apology, Downing Street has indicated, arguing that their input is indispensable in crafting a enduring message.

The prime minister is en route to the Commonwealth heads of government summit (Chogm) in Antigua and Barbuda, which begins on Tuesday. No 10 said he would use the event to launch a “structured dialogue” into what form an apology might take.