Question
It is not our past.
Answer
I am afraid it is indeed our past; the right hon. Gentleman might want to read a history book if he does not think it is the United Kingdom’s past. We will do this with an open mind and work towards a constructive solution over the coming year or so.25% point-scoring 25% vibes
Verdict: GREEN (86/100)
The question asked whether the government would accept that the slave trade is part of Britain's past, and the reply directly confirms that it is. The answer takes a clear, unhedged position on the exact point in dispute, though it is delivered with a combative tone. Because the one point raised was fully and plainly answered, the asker would likely have what they need without needing to follow up on the substance.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disputes the claim in the previous reply that 'the UK approach is to respect and understand our past and move forward', i.e. disputes that the slave trade is 'our past'. | Addressed | Direct | The item disputes that the slave trade is 'our past', and the reply directly re-affirms it ('I am afraid it is indeed our past'), adding that the asker should 'read a history book' if he thinks otherwise. The reply takes an explicit, unhedged position on the exact point in dispute, even though the rebuttal is delivered with point-scoring rhetoric. |