As the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa approaches, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made his stance on discussing slavery reparations clear: he wants to “look forward” and focus on “future-facing challenges” rather than engage in what he believes will be “very long endless discussions about reparations on the past”.
Starmer, who is under pressure to address the issue of reparatory justice with Commonwealth countries, most of which are former UK colonies, emphasized that his priority lies in tackling current challenges faced by these nations, particularly in relation to climate change. “That’s where I’m going to put my focus,” he stated, adding that he would “rather roll up my sleeves and work with them on the current future-facing challenges than spend a lot of time on the past”.
Caricom Pushes for Reparations Discussion
However, Caricom, a group of 15 Caribbean countries, has indicated its intention to push Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy on the issue during the summit. In 2018, Lammy, then a backbench Labour MP, called for reparations to be paid to Caribbean nations. But since Labour has taken power, the government has ruled out apologizing for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.
Starmer’s comments have drawn criticism from historians and campaigners who argue that his stance demonstrates a lack of leadership and a fundamental misunderstanding of what leaders in the global south have been calling for. Eric Phillips, chair of the Guyana Reparations Committee, questioned the relevance of the Commonwealth if Starmer takes this “cruel approach,” stating:
Britain wants to trade with Commonwealth countries now that Brexit has hurt its economy. The trading principles are purely capitalistic and against the interest of former colonies. No reparations, no trade should be the new motto of countries that seek reparations.
– Eric Phillips, Chair of the Guyana Reparations Committee
Contemporary Conditions of Inequality
Liliane Umubyeyi, director of African Futures Lab, pointed out that the demands for reparations are not solely about the past but also concern contemporary conditions of inequality. She referenced leaders like Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, who have been vocal about the ongoing effects of British colonialism.
Professor Verene A Shepherd, a member of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and director of the Centre for Reparation Research at the University of the West Indies, described Starmer’s remarks as dismissive. She warned that his stance “will not make the campaign go away” and expressed hope that those affected by the legacies of British colonialism will make their voices heard at the summit.
Disappointing Dismissal of Reparations Debate
Veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott also expressed disappointment in Starmer’s dismissal of the opportunity to debate reparations, stating that “the descendants of slaves live with the consequences of the transatlantic slave trade in the here and now”.
As the Commonwealth summit draws near, it remains to be seen whether Starmer will face further pressure to engage in discussions about reparatory justice and how his stance will impact Britain’s relationships with its former colonies. The issue of slavery reparations continues to be a contentious topic, with many arguing that acknowledging and addressing the lasting effects of the slave trade is crucial for achieving true equality and reconciliation.
The Road Ahead
As the Commonwealth nations gather in Samoa, the debate surrounding slavery reparations is likely to remain a central point of discussion, despite Starmer’s reluctance to engage with the topic. The summit presents an opportunity for leaders to confront the historical injustices that have shaped the current global landscape and to work towards a more equitable future for all.
While focusing on “future-facing challenges” is undoubtedly important, many argue that addressing the past is essential for building a solid foundation for progress. As the world continues to grapple with the legacies of colonialism and slavery, the Commonwealth summit serves as a crucial platform for these critical conversations to take place.
It remains to be seen whether Starmer will be swayed by the growing calls for reparatory justice or if he will maintain his stance on prioritizing forward-looking discussions. As the summit unfolds, the eyes of the world will be watching to see how the Commonwealth nations navigate this complex and emotionally charged issue.
