Keir Starmer recently failed to prevent Caribbean nations from using the Commonwealth summit to demand billions in reparations for Britain’s role in the slave trade.
Earlier this month, The Mail on Sunday reported that reparations would be discussed at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa. Despite this, No. 10 Downing Street maintained that the issue was “not on the agenda” until the summit’s final communique was released.
The communique acknowledged that “the time has come” for discussions on slavery reparations, over 200 years after Britain abolished the slave trade. Campaigners are calling for £200 billion in reparations, with some demanding even higher sums.
The UK opposed direct language on reparatory justice in the communique. Starmer stated he preferred to focus on “future challenges” rather than the past.
Commonwealth leaders agreed on the need for a “meaningful, truthful and respectful conversation” to build a common future based on equity. A coalition of 15 Caribbean governments had pushed for the issue, following remarks by Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who called reparations part of a “global reset.”
Foreign Secretary David Lammy, a descendant of enslaved people, shared how his ancestors endured “the twisted lies of imperialism” as they were taken in shackles and enslaved.
Before leaving Samoa, Starmer faced questions on whether his stance had strained relations with Commonwealth nations.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak later downplayed reparations as a key summit issue. “In the two days we’ve been here, none of the discussions have been about money,” he said. “Our position is very, very clear.”
Options for reparatory justice include financial compensation, debt relief, official apologies, and educational programs.
Source/Photo: Daily Mail UK via MSN.
