Andy Burnham is open to increasing financial assistance to Commonwealth countries as redress for Britain’s role in the historic slave trade, with demands for investment focused on healthcare and education.

The Prime Minister is to consider those demands. The proposal would direct support towards public services, linking financial assistance to efforts to atone for Britain’s historical role.

Openness to greater assistance is not, however, a commitment to make payments. The available details do not specify a funding total, which Commonwealth countries might receive support or a timetable for any decision. Whether the demands will lead to an agreed programme of investment remains unresolved.