Commonwealth leaders are set to discuss reparatory justice for the transatlantic slave trade at their upcoming summit, despite opposition from the United Kingdom.
According to the BBC, diplomatic sources have confirmed that discussions are underway to initiate further research and a “meaningful conversation” on the issue, which could see the UK facing potential claims for billions of pounds in reparations.
While Downing Street insists the topic is not officially on the agenda for the 56-nation summit, which begins in Samoa on Friday, a draft communique obtained by the BBC reveals that leaders are pushing for the issue to be addressed.
The current text states that the Commonwealth heads of government acknowledge calls for discussions on reparatory justice, agreeing that “the time has come for a meaningful, truthful, and respectful conversation” on the matter.
The draft indicates that the leaders will play an active role in facilitating these conversations and that further research into the transatlantic slave trade will be prioritized to support future discussions.
The UK, which initially resisted including any mention of reparations in the communique, has had to accept that the document will include three paragraphs detailing the Commonwealth’s position on the issue.
Reparatory justice for slavery can take various forms, including financial compensation, debt relief, official apologies, educational programs, and economic or public health support. The push for reparations is being championed by Caribbean nations, with the Caricom organization broadening the discussion to encompass both the Atlantic and Pacific slave trades.
The draft communique highlights shared historical experiences among member states, including the exploitation of indigenous peoples and practices such as “blackbirding,” where Pacific islanders were coerced into cheap labor.
It is expected that reparatory justice will be a central focus of the next Commonwealth summit, likely to be held in the Caribbean in two years.
Calls for the UK to apologize and make reparations for its role in the slave trade have intensified ahead of the summit.
Last year, a report from the University of the West Indies concluded that the UK owes more than £18 trillion in reparations for slavery in 14 Caribbean nations.
Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis reiterated the demand for reparations during a recent visit by UK Foreign Office Minister Baroness Chapman, stating that the issue goes beyond financial compensation and is about addressing the enduring impact of slavery with honesty and integrity.
A UK government spokesperson declined to comment on the leaked draft but maintained that reparations are not on the agenda, reaffirming the government’s position against paying reparations.
However, Caribbean ministers have expressed frustration, noting that while not officially listed, the issue will still be discussed.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who arrived in Samoa on Wednesday, downplayed the focus on reparations, stating he prefers to address current challenges, such as climate change, rather than engaging in “long, endless discussions” about the past.
However, he acknowledged that slavery was “abhorrent” and affirmed its universally condemned nature.
