LONDON — The British government has announced that it will not address the issue of reparations for historical transatlantic slavery at this week’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa. However, officials confirmed they are open to engaging with leaders who wish to discuss the matter.
The summit brings together leaders and officials from 56 nations, many of which are former colonies of the British Empire. Despite increasing calls for reparations, the UK government has consistently rejected the idea, a stance reiterated by a spokesman for Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday.
“We do not pay reparations,” the spokesman said, adding that there will be no formal apology for Britain’s role in the slave trade at CHOGM. While reparations are not on Starmer’s formal agenda, he signaled a willingness to continue discussions on the subject with Commonwealth leaders.
King Charles is also expected to attend the summit, though his views on the issue have not been made public in relation to this particular meeting.
Ms. Hilary Beckles, chair of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Reparations Commission, expressed hope that the new Labour government might reconsider its stance, following 14 years of Conservative rule. Caricom, which represents 15 Caribbean states including Jamaica and Barbados, has been actively advocating for reparations, which they plan to raise during the Samoa summit.
Caricom’s reparations plan extends beyond financial compensation, advocating for European countries to issue formal apologies and provide support for educational initiatives. Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Keith Rowley had earlier announced that Caricom would address the issue “very forcefully” during the Commonwealth gathering.
The global conversation around reparations for slavery has gained momentum in recent years. Supporters argue that reparations are essential for addressing the lasting effects of slavery, which have resulted in widespread racial inequalities. Opponents, however, contend that modern nations should not be held responsible for historical wrongs.
All three candidates vying to become the next secretary-general of the Commonwealth have expressed support for reparations, signaling that the issue is likely to remain a topic of ongoing debate within the international community.