Ending a week-long summit in Samoa, Commonwealth leaders have called for a discussion on whether Britain should commit to reparations for its involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. The representatives from 56 countries, most with ties to Britain’s empire, also discussed the pressing issues of slavery and climate change during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, despite the country’s historical reluctance to provide financial compensation for slavery, emphasized that the summit talks were not focused on monetary reparations. Instead, the leaders issued a joint statement expressing the need for a meaningful and respectful conversation towards building a future based on equity.
The global call for ex-colonial powers like Britain to address the consequences of slavery has gained traction, particularly among the Caribbean Community and the African Union. The summit marks a significant step towards acknowledging and addressing the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade.