Commonwealth leaders defy Keir Starmer by calling for “meaningful” reparations talks

Ahead of this year’s summit, calls from Commonwealth leaders grew for the UK to apologize for the country’s historic role in the slave trade and make trillions of pounds in reparations.

Slavery reparations can include financial reparations, debt relief, an official apology, educational programs, museum construction, economic support, and public health assistance.

A report published last year by the University of West Indies, supported by Patrick Robinson, a judge at the International Court of Justice, concluded that the United Kingdom deserves more than £18 trillion in reparations for its role in slavery in the 14th century owed to Caribbean countries.

There were comments from David Lammy, the foreign minister, who supported Caribbean countries’ calls for a talk on reparations.

In a debate in the House of Commons on June 14, 2018, he said: “Caribbean states are united in their desire to bring the issue of reparations back to the table…It is important that this country hears and listens to these calls for support, particularly against.” Against the background that the government has made it clear that it wants to re-enter trade negotiations with these countries.

“Let us consider: What are the reparations for these Caribbean states? How do we do this? What dialogue do we as a country need to have with these people?”

In 2020, as Shadow Justice Secretary under Sir Keir, Mr Lammy said of reparations: “The starting point is truth and reconciliation… we are no longer in a society where we challenge ideas like white privilege… And then we get to one Point at which…”We need to discuss power, reckoning and repair – and that is obviously financial to some extent and involves endowments.”