Sir Keir Starmer is set to face a crucial showdown next year over reparations for the UK’s involvement in the slave trade, as pressure mounts on the Prime Minister. The issue is expected to come to a head as a delegation from Caribbean nations plans to meet with UK officials in 2025 to present updated demands.
The upcoming Commonwealth summit in Samoa, attended by leaders from 56 nations, including the UK, will see the election of a new Commonwealth secretary general. All three candidates vying for the position have voiced support for reparations to countries affected by slavery and colonialism.
The 15 member states of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) have previously outlined formal demands for reparations in a 10-point plan. Despite this, Downing Street has rejected these demands, stating that the issue is not on the agenda for the upcoming event, and an apology will not be offered.
Internal pressure is mounting on Sir Keir Starmer within his own party, with Labour MPs criticising the government’s stance on reparations. Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Labour MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill, described the government’s position as “disappointing” and reminiscent of “colonial attitudes.”
Labour MPs Clive Lewis, Nadia Whittome, Marsha de Cordova, and former minister Dawn Butler have also called for a change in approach. The Prime Minister’s spokesman reiterated that reparations are not on the agenda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting this week, stating that the government does not pay reparations.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who will be accompanying Sir Keir Starmer to Samoa, has previously supported the case for reparations. Caricom members are expected to raise the issue at the summit, with all three candidates for Commonwealth secretary general expressing support for reparatory justice.
While the exact amount the UK may owe in reparations remains uncertain, various figures have been proposed by experts. Reverend Dr Michael Banner of Trinity College Cambridge estimated £205bn, while a report by Judge Patrick Robinson suggested £18.8tn for slavery involvement in 14 countries.
The Chogm summit will also address other pressing matters, including the Commonwealth’s role in shared challenges and opportunities. The King, the head of the Commonwealth, will be in attendance following his visit to Australia, where he faced criticism over his nation’s treatment of indigenous people.
As the issue of reparations continues to draw attention and scrutiny, the UK’s stance on addressing historical wrongs remains a point of contention both domestically and internationally.