Every time Andy Burnham launches one of his "open conversations," Britain's bills appear to climb.

His earlier warm remarks about re-aligning with the EU were followed by an openness to a formal slavery apology.

Tony Blair has already voiced Britain's remorse for slavery horrors, and more than $100billion in debts were written off for affected nations.

The piece questions what the prime minister hopes to achieve with what it calls half-baked virtue-signalling.

It asks whether he believes a formal statement will stop calls for financial reparations that could reach trillions.

The article argues the opposite, saying such an apology would likely trigger fresh financial demands from cash-hungry Caribbean governments, lawyers and campaigners.

When the Dutch government apologised for slavery, it had to create a €200million fund for payments.

Britain could face demands for billions more as an initial wave.

The writer calls this the last thing the country needs after Burnham's "pitiful failure" to address large debts and overspending in last week's Budget.

A poll cited shows 60 per cent of Brits think he is merely tinkering while the economy burns.

Nearly two-thirds of respondents believe Britain would not withstand a military attack because of weak defences.

The article criticises Burnham's claim of honesty with voters, asking if it is honest to promise cutting the benefits budget without a plan.

It notes the UK is on track to spend £430BILLION a year on welfare by 2031, while the prime minister focuses on a grand vision.

Next month he will outline his Ten-Year Plan, covering constitutional reform, devolution, expanded public ownership and a social-care overhaul.

Who will fund it remains unclear, and the piece suggests it will be "someone else's money."

It asks why the prime minister does not admit he will raise taxes heavily to pay for it.

Now that, at least, would be an honest conversation.

Taking the PG Tips

While the prime minister shows no sign of cutting spending, left-leaning councils are also accused of squandering taxpayer money.

Lewisham's spree includes £50,000 in awards for activities such as tea-drinking lessons for asylum seekers.

Someone should remind them there isn't an endless pot.