UK declines discussions on slave trade reparations
Commonwealth nation leaders committed to engaging in discussions about the damages caused by slavery. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
At a recent gathering in Samoa, leaders of the Commonwealth of Nations have formally requested “discussions” with the UK regarding compensation for the transatlantic slave trade. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer attempted, but ultimately failed, to keep this topic off the agenda at the significant event held on the Pacific island.
The Commonwealth comprises over 50 nations, with the majority being former territories of the British Empire. The UK government has dismissed the possibility of financial reparations and has yet to issue a formal apology.
Last year, an analysis by the Brattle Group, an economic consulting firm, determined that the UK owes upwards of £18 trillion in reparations for its role in slavery across 14 Caribbean nations.
Starmer had previously averted discussion on compensation, asserting that the UK would not be “offering an apology” or paying reparations for the historical injustices spanning three centuries.
Nevertheless, 56 member states endorsed a communique that condemned slavery as a “crime against humanity” and called for “discussions on reparatory justice with regard to the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans and chattel enslavement.”
The document emphasizes, “The time has come for a meaningful, truthful and respectful conversation towards forging a common future based on equity,” and it conveys the intention of the leaders to actively engage in inclusive dialogues that address these historical harms.
Earlier this month, British tabloid The Daily Mail reported that some Caribbean nations are seeking “an astonishing £200 billion” in compensation for slavery during the Samoa meeting.
During a press conference following the summit, Starmer acknowledged that slavery was “abhorrent,” yet he refused to entertain the notion of financial recompense. “I should be really clear here, in the two days we’ve been here, none of the discussions have been about money. Our position is very, very clear in relation to that,” he stated, emphasizing that the summit focused primarily on “resilience and climate.”
In August, UN judge Patrick Robinson remarked that the UK cannot dismiss demands for slavery reparations, noting that the amount calculated by the Brattle Group was an “underestimation” of the suffering inflicted by the abolished institution.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
The Commonwealth comprises over 50 nations, with the majority being former territories of the British Empire. The UK government has dismissed the possibility of financial reparations and has yet to issue a formal apology.
Last year, an analysis by the Brattle Group, an economic consulting firm, determined that the UK owes upwards of £18 trillion in reparations for its role in slavery across 14 Caribbean nations.
Starmer had previously averted discussion on compensation, asserting that the UK would not be “offering an apology” or paying reparations for the historical injustices spanning three centuries.
Nevertheless, 56 member states endorsed a communique that condemned slavery as a “crime against humanity” and called for “discussions on reparatory justice with regard to the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans and chattel enslavement.”
The document emphasizes, “The time has come for a meaningful, truthful and respectful conversation towards forging a common future based on equity,” and it conveys the intention of the leaders to actively engage in inclusive dialogues that address these historical harms.
Earlier this month, British tabloid The Daily Mail reported that some Caribbean nations are seeking “an astonishing £200 billion” in compensation for slavery during the Samoa meeting.
During a press conference following the summit, Starmer acknowledged that slavery was “abhorrent,” yet he refused to entertain the notion of financial recompense. “I should be really clear here, in the two days we’ve been here, none of the discussions have been about money. Our position is very, very clear in relation to that,” he stated, emphasizing that the summit focused primarily on “resilience and climate.”
In August, UN judge Patrick Robinson remarked that the UK cannot dismiss demands for slavery reparations, noting that the amount calculated by the Brattle Group was an “underestimation” of the suffering inflicted by the abolished institution.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
