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UK PM REJECTS SLAVERY REPARATIONS FOR AFRICA, CARIBBEAN NATIONS, PREFERS FOCUSING ON THE FUTURE

UK PM REJECTS SLAVERY REPARATIONS FOR AFRICA, CARIBBEAN NATIONS, PREFERS FOCUSING ON THE FUTURE
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Faith Nyasuguta

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer (pictured) has sparked controversy after stating he prefers to “look forward” rather than engage in “long, endless discussions about reparations on the past” during the Commonwealth summit in Samoa. His remarks, the first on the issue as Prime Minister, have come under scrutiny as many Commonwealth nations, particularly those that were once British colonies, have called for reparatory justice for slavery and colonial exploitation.

Starmer, speaking to reporters en route to the summit, acknowledged the horrors of slavery, calling it “abhorrent” but stressed the need to prioritize present-day challenges like climate change. “This is about stance, really, looking forward rather than looking backward,” he said. Starmer reiterated that his focus for the summit would be on “growth and trade” between Commonwealth nations rather than reparations discussions.

Caricom, the 15-member Caribbean community, has made it clear that it plans to push the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary David Lammy on the issue. In the past, Lammy, then a Labour backbencher, called for reparations to Caribbean nations, though Labour has since backed away from apologizing for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.

/Reuters/

Starmer’s focus on trade was highlighted by the UK government’s announcement of a new trade centre of expertise, based in the Foreign Office, which will assist developing nations in competing in global markets. This is part of an effort to enhance economic ties with the Commonwealth, whose combined GDP is projected to surpass $19.5 trillion by 2027. 

Notably, six Commonwealth countries—Bangladesh, Guyana, India, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Uganda—are expected to be among the world’s ten fastest-growing economies by 2027.

However, Starmer’s dismissal of reparations discussions has drawn significant backlash from historians, campaigners, and political leaders. Eric Phillips, chair of the Guyana Reparations Committee, expressed his frustration, stating, “I just don’t understand the relevance of the Commonwealth if PM Starmer takes this cruel approach.” 

Phillips also linked Britain’s reluctance to address slavery’s legacy with its capitalistic interests in post-Brexit trade, arguing that without reparations, there should be “no trade.”

Liliane Umubyeyi, director of the African Futures Lab, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that reparations are not solely about the past but about addressing contemporary inequalities resulting from colonialism. She highlighted that leaders like Mia Mottley, the Prime Minister of Barbados, have long pointed out the ongoing impacts of historical injustices.

Professor Verene A. Shepherd, a UN official and director of the Centre for Reparation Research at the University of the West Indies, described Starmer’s remarks as dismissive and warned that the campaign for reparations would not simply fade away. Veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott added that it was “disappointing” for Starmer to dismiss such an important debate when descendants of slaves still live with the consequences of the transatlantic slave trade.

/Caricom reparations committee/

The push for reparations has gained momentum in recent years, particularly among Commonwealth nations. Despite Starmer’s reluctance, a leaked draft of the summit’s communique suggests that Commonwealth heads of government may defy the UK and agree to explore reparatory justice. The text reportedly calls for a “meaningful conversation” and additional research on the transatlantic slave trade. Diplomats have been negotiating the language, with British officials trying to block a separate declaration on reparations.

Bahamas Foreign Minister Frederick Mitchell confirmed that reparations would be on the table, stating, “The word is apologize.” Mitchell emphasized that the conversation is not merely about financial compensation but respect and acknowledgment of the wrongs committed. This pressure is expected to continue, with the next Commonwealth summit, likely to be held in the Caribbean, to focus even more on reparatory justice.

King Charles, who arrived in Samoa for a four-day visit, has previously expressed “great sorrow” over Britain’s colonial wrongdoings, though he stopped short of issuing an official apology. Some Commonwealth leaders, particularly from non-Caribbean countries, share the UK’s interest in focusing on climate change and economic challenges. However, it is clear that Caribbean nations will persist in keeping the reparations debate alive.

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Faith Nyasuguta

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