The upcoming Chogm summit in Samoa is expected to be a stage for important discussions on reparations for countries affected by slavery and colonialism. The pressure is mounting on both PM and Sir Keir Starmer, as the government is set to face a showdown with a delegation of Caribbean nations over the issue in 2025.
While Downing Street has rejected demands for reparations, stating that the issue is not on the agenda and an apology will not be offered, there is a growing call from within the Labour party for a change in stance. Labour MPs such as Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Clive Lewis, Nadia Whittome, and Marsha de Cordova, along with former minister Dawn Butler, have urged Sir Keir to reconsider the UK’s position on reparations.
The three candidates vying for the role of the next Commonwealth secretary general have all expressed their support for reparatory justice. Caricom, a group of 15 Caribbean nations, has outlined formal demands for reparations and is expected to raise the issue at the summit in Samoa. The exact amount owed by the UK for its involvement in slavery is still a matter of debate, with figures ranging from £205bn to £18.8tn being suggested.
The summit will also see the attendance of the King, the head of the Commonwealth, who recently faced criticism during his visit to Australia for the treatment of the indigenous population. The discussions at the summit are crucial as they will determine the UK’s stance on reparations and its relationship with the Commonwealth nations affected by historical wrongs.
As the pressure mounts on both the government and the opposition, the issue of reparations is set to take center stage at the summit. The decisions made at Chogm will not only shape the UK’s position on historical injustices but also its role in addressing the pressing challenges faced by the Commonwealth nations today and in the future. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
