Commonwealth leaders have reached a consensus that it is time to engage in discussions about reparations for the transatlantic slave trade, despite the UK government’s preference to keep the topic off the agenda during a recent summit in Samoa. The agreement was formalized in a document signed by 56 heads of government, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who acknowledged the need for “discussions on reparatory justice” for the “abhorrent” historical injustices of slavery.
The leaders emphasized the importance of a “meaningful, truthful and respectful conversation” regarding reparations, although Prime Minister Starmer clarified that financial compensation was not on the table. “There have been no discussions about money at the meeting,” he stated, reaffirming the UK’s position that it would not pay reparations. This stance comes amid increasing pressure from Commonwealth nations for the UK to apologize and provide reparations for its historical role in the slave trade.
Reparations could encompass a range of measures, from financial compensation to symbolic gestures. Before the summit, Downing Street maintained that reparations would not be a focal point of the discussions. At a press conference following the two-day summit, Starmer characterized the meeting as positive, asserting that the primary focus was on resilience and climate issues, and he downplayed the significance of the reparations discussion, which he described as a single paragraph within a broader statement.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves reinforced the UK’s stance last week, emphasizing that the government would not entertain reparations. A source from Downing Street reiterated that the UK’s position on this matter remains unchanged, a statement that has reportedly irritated some leaders advocating for reparations.
Despite the UK’s firm stance, the communique from the summit allows nations advocating for reparations to assert that the dialogue continues. While the UK maintains its position, it also highlights other critical topics, such as trade, climate change, and security, as vital areas for Commonwealth cooperation.
Looking ahead, Starmer indicated a potential opportunity for further discussions on reparatory justice during the UK-Caribbean forum scheduled for March in London. Frederick Mitchell, the foreign minister of the Bahamas, expressed hope that leaders could develop a “comprehensive report” on reparations at that forum, suggesting that financial reparations to Caribbean nations may eventually be forthcoming.
Mitchell acknowledged the vagueness of the joint statement but suggested it reflects a deliberate attempt to progress the conversation. Diplomats anticipate that reparatory justice will be a central issue at the next Commonwealth summit in two years. Last year, a UN judge estimated that the UK may owe over £18 trillion in reparations for its involvement in slavery across 14 Caribbean nations.
In addition to financial reparations, discussions may explore other forms of reparatory justice, including formal apologies, educational initiatives, and public health support, as leaders seek to address the historical injustices of the slave trade.
