Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the UK will not be addressing the issue of reparations for transatlantic slavery at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) this week, according to a Reuters report. The meeting, taking place in Samoa, gathers leaders from 56 countries, many of which are former British colonies. Despite calls for reparations, Starmer’s spokesperson stated that the topic is not on the agenda, reiterating the UK’s position against offering apologies or reparations for historical injustices.
The issue of reparations has gained traction in recent years, with demands for accountability for the British Empire’s role in the slave trade. A report by the Brattle Group and the University of the West Indies estimated that the UK could owe up to $24 trillion in reparations for transatlantic slavery. While Caribbean nations are expected to raise the issue at CHOGM, the UK continues to resist calls for compensation, prompting UN judge Patrick Robinson to emphasize the moral and legal imperative for reparations.
Despite mounting pressure, the UK’s stance on reparations remains unchanged, reflecting ongoing debates around historical responsibilities and justice for the legacy of slavery.