Starmer: No reparations for slave trade on Commonwealth agenda – MercoPress

PM Starmer, “paying reparations for slave trade, not in the Commonwealth agenda”

Sir Hilary Beckles, “It is our intention to persist with this strategy of calling for a summit to work through what a reparatory justice model ought to look like”

Reparations for the slave trade are not on the agenda for the upcoming Commonwealth heads of government meeting, according to a Downing Street official spokesperson. The UK government’s stance remains unchanged, stating they do not pay reparations.

Campaigners are calling for compensation payments to countries affected by the slave trade ahead of the summit in Samoa. Estimates suggest British liabilities could total around £200 billion.

While the UK government rejects the idea of reparations, three candidates for the next Commonwealth secretary-general have shown support for it. The leadership vote between candidates from Ghana, Lesotho, and Gambia will take place during the Chogm meeting.

Questions about Britain’s role in the slave trade resurfaced after Foreign Secretary David Lammy advocated for reparations in a 2018 clip. However, the current Labour government’s position aligns with the previous Conservative government in rejecting calls for payment.