UK Faces Growing Calls for Reparations over Slave Trade
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer insists the UK cannot change its past regarding the transatlantic slave trade, amid demands for reparations at the Commonwealth summit in Samoa. Leaders from 56 countries seek meaningful dialogue on reparatory justice while discussing contemporary issues like climate resilience. Despite political assurances against payments, the call for an apology and reparatory measures remains strong among Commonwealth leaders.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has stated that the UK "can't change our history" when questioned about the possibility of paying reparations to countries affected by the transatlantic slave trade.
This conversation emerges as Commonwealth leaders push for a "meaningful conversation" regarding reparations that could see the UK liable for billions.
At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, Starmer, while condemning the slave trade as "abhorrent", emphasized focusing on current global issues such as climate change resilience and boosting trade.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has ruled out payments, but Commonwealth leaders remain determined to address reparatory justice in forms like financial aid or official apologies.
With 56 nations attending, these discussions intensified amid historical reflections on Britain's role as a leading slave-trading nation.
While the UK government hasn't officially placed reparations on the summit's agenda, the topic remains pressing among attendees.
During the summit, King Charles is set to open discussions, and a new Commonwealth secretary general is to be elected, all candidates supporting reparatory justice.
Historically, in 2007, then-Prime Minister Tony Blair apologized for the slave trade.
The debate persists alongside other UK political developments, like the Labour Party's affiliations abroad and the upcoming national budget.
This conversation emerges as Commonwealth leaders push for a "meaningful conversation" regarding reparations that could see the UK liable for billions.
At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, Starmer, while condemning the slave trade as "abhorrent", emphasized focusing on current global issues such as climate change resilience and boosting trade.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has ruled out payments, but Commonwealth leaders remain determined to address reparatory justice in forms like financial aid or official apologies.
With 56 nations attending, these discussions intensified amid historical reflections on Britain's role as a leading slave-trading nation.
While the UK government hasn't officially placed reparations on the summit's agenda, the topic remains pressing among attendees.
During the summit, King Charles is set to open discussions, and a new Commonwealth secretary general is to be elected, all candidates supporting reparatory justice.
Historically, in 2007, then-Prime Minister Tony Blair apologized for the slave trade.
The debate persists alongside other UK political developments, like the Labour Party's affiliations abroad and the upcoming national budget.
