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Commonwealth Leaders Discuss Reparations
Leaders from Commonwealth nations have agreed to engage in discussions on reparations for the transatlantic slave trade. This decision comes despite the UK’s initial reluctance to address the issue at the summit in Samoa.
The document signed by the leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, acknowledges the calls for reparations for the “abhorrent” slave trade. The statement emphasizes the need for a “meaningful, truthful, and respectful conversation” on the matter.
Starmer has stated that there were no discussions about financial reparations during the meeting, and that the UK’s position on not paying reparations remains unchanged. However, he indicated that discussions could continue at a later UK-Caribbean forum.
Commonwealth leaders have long called for the UK to apologize and pay reparations for its role in the slave trade. Reparations could take various forms, including financial compensation, symbolic gestures, or investments in educational programs and public health.
Diplomatic sources suggest that reparatory justice will likely be a key topic at the next Commonwealth summit in two years. A UN judge previously estimated that the UK may owe over £18 trillion in reparations to 14 Caribbean countries.