Commonwealth leaders have agreed that the time has come for a conversation about reparations for the slave trade, despite the UK’s reluctance to address the issue at a recent summit in Samoa. The document signed by 56 heads of government, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, acknowledges the need for discussions on reparatory justice for the abhorrent transatlantic slave trade.
While the UK has faced mounting pressure to apologize and pay reparations for its historical involvement in the slave trade, Sir Keir emphasized that no discussions about money took place during the summit. The UK remains firm in its position that it will not pay reparations, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves reiterating this stance to the BBC.
The joint statement released after the summit highlighted the need for a meaningful and respectful conversation about reparations, with the next opportunity for discussion set to take place at the UK-Caribbean forum in London next March. Frederick Mitchell, the foreign minister of the Bahamas, expressed hope that the UK would eventually provide financial reparations to Caribbean countries.
Despite the UK’s firm stance, diplomats anticipate that reparatory justice will be a central focus at future Commonwealth summits. Last year, a UN judge estimated that the UK owed more than £18 trillion in reparations to 14 Caribbean countries for its role in slavery. While financial reparations are one form of reparatory justice, other options include a formal apology, educational programs, and public health assistance.
The conversation about reparations continues to evolve, with leaders navigating diplomatic challenges and differing perspectives on how to address the legacy of the slave trade. As the international community grapples with this complex issue, the call for reparatory justice remains a key topic of discussion within the Commonwealth and beyond.
