Minister Denies Britain Pays Reparations Despite Commonwealth Requests
Foreign Office Minister Annalise Dodds’ comments are in line with those of the prime minister in response to calls from certain African and Caribbean nations for discussions.
Britain firmly states that it does not provide reparations, as stated by a minister in light of requests from leaders of Commonwealth countries for financial compensation due to the UK’s historical involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.
After a joint statement at a major Commonwealth summit mentioned the topic of reparations, Foreign Office minister Anneliese Dodds was questioned by MPs to clarify the government’s position.
At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, attending nations signed a statement acknowledging the need for a dialogue on reparations to move towards a common future based on equity.
‘Based on Equity’
Discussing the statement signed in Samoa, MPs raised questions regarding the UK’s openness to reparatory justice and the government’s red line on reparations.
Prior to becoming foreign secretary, David Lammy supported the idea of the UK considering paying reparations.
In an interview in 2020, he noted the inevitability of discussing financial amends related to power and reckoning.
Dodds emphasized that the UK government focuses on economic development, climate action, and nature conservation.
She clarified that while condemning the abhorrent slave trade, there has been no change in the government’s policy on reparations, reiterating that the UK does not provide reparations.
‘Resentment’ Passed Down
MPs further discussed the concept of individual responsibility and the need to focus on the future rather than dwelling on past events.
The UK’s approach at the CHOGM meeting emphasized forward-looking discussions, avoiding financial reparations.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stressed the importance of learning from the past and ruled out discussions about financial reparations at the summit.
Claim UK ‘Owes £18 Trillion’
A report from the University of West Indies claimed that the UK owed more than £18 trillion in reparations for its role in slavery, sparking debates on reparations in the UK.
Based on recent opinions, there is divided support for the UK government paying reparations, with more black individuals backing the move compared to white individuals.
Opponents of reparations highlight the UK’s role in ending the slave trade and point out historical instances of white people being enslaved as well.
Starmer announced a future UK-Caribbean forum, focusing on forward-looking topics like climate, education, trade, and economic growth.
