COMMONWEALTH heads of government are preparing to challenge the United Kingdom by moving forward with plans to explore reparatory justice for the transatlantic slave trade, according to diplomatic sources. Despite the UK’s opposition, officials are negotiating an agreement to conduct research and open discussions on the subject, which could ultimately see the UK facing demands for billions in reparations.
The Commonwealth, which consists of 56 member nations, is gathering for its summit in Samoa, starting Friday. The UK government has insisted that reparations are not on the official agenda. However, sources reveal that member states are pushing for a ‘meaningful conversation’ on the issue, which has been a long-standing demand from Caribbean nations.
Growing calls for reparatory justice
Frederick Mitchell, the foreign minister of the Bahamas, highlighted the importance of reparations, telling BBC Radio 4: ‘Once you broach the subject it may take a while for people to come around, but come around they will.’ He, like many other leaders, believes the conversation is necessary for addressing historical wrongs.
Reparatory justice can take many forms, including financial compensation, debt relief, educational programmes, economic support, and even formal apologies. The draft text for the summit’s communique outlines the need for a ‘truthful and respectful conversation’ about the transatlantic slave trade and its ongoing impact on member states.
A divisive issue
The UK’s stance has caused friction with Caribbean nations, who have been vocal about the need for reparations. Officials from Caricom, the body representing Caribbean countries, have expanded the reparations discussion to include both the Atlantic and Pacific slave trades. They argue that these regions share ‘common historical experiences’ related to slavery and colonisation.
A majority of Commonwealth countries, particularly those with colonial pasts, support further research and discussions on reparations. These nations aim to address the harm caused by slavery, including the loss of land and cultural heritage for indigenous peoples. One particular focus is on the practice of ‘blackbirding,’ where Pacific Islanders were kidnapped or coerced into forced labour in colonial territories.
The UK’s reluctance
While some leaders push for change, the UK remains resistant. The draft communique is expected to include three paragraphs on reparatory justice, a compromise that British officials had to accept after failing to block the inclusion of the topic. A spokesperson for the UK government reiterated that reparations were not on the summit’s agenda and reaffirmed that the UK does not pay reparations.
Caribbean countries, meanwhile, remain determined to keep pressing the UK. A report from the University of the West Indies, supported by Patrick Robinson of the International Court of Justice, concluded last year that the UK owes over £18 trillion in reparations for its role in slavery across 14 Caribbean countries.
Frederick Mitchell further stressed the importance of an apology, stating, ‘It’s a simple matter – it can be done, one sentence, one line.’ However, the UK government has maintained that it would rather focus on future challenges, such as climate change, rather than dwell on historical grievances.
King Charles and historical acknowledgement
In a symbolic move ahead of the summit, King Charles visited Samoa and met with local communities involved in reforestation efforts. While the King has expressed ‘sorrow and regret’ for the wrongdoings of the colonial era, he stopped short of issuing an official apology for slavery during a previous visit to Kenya.
The royal family’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, along with Britain’s participation, remains a sensitive issue. Despite the King’s personal acknowledgements, an official apology from the British government would require ministerial approval—a step that London is unlikely to take.
Next steps for reparatory justice
The Commonwealth’s push for reparations is not expected to fade anytime soon. Diplomats anticipate that reparatory justice will be a central focus at the next Commonwealth summit in two years, which will likely take place in the Caribbean. Until then, the conversation on reparations will continue to gain momentum, with Caribbean leaders determined to hold the UK accountable.
Some non-Caribbean nations have shown support for the UK’s position, arguing that the summit should focus on immediate challenges, particularly climate change, which disproportionately affects many small island states. Nonetheless, the demand for reparations remains a key issue for many Commonwealth countries.
As the Commonwealth summit gets underway, the debate over reparatory justice for slavery is taking centre stage. Despite the UK’s efforts to avoid the issue, the push for reparations continues to gather support among member states. The future of the conversation is uncertain, but it’s clear that the Commonwealth is not willing to let the past remain unaddressed.
