Prime Minister Starmer, while acknowledging the abhorrent history of transatlantic slavery, stated ahead of the summit that his government was looking to “move forward” rather than engage in prolonged dialogues on reparations. This stance, however, drew significant ire from some Labour MPs and advocates who argue that reparations discussions are integral to addressing the ongoing inequalities rooted in the legacy of slavery. The CHOGM summit, which convened representatives of the Commonwealth’s 56 member nations, culminated with a communique signalling support for initiating discussions on reparations — a concession that many view as a rebuke of Starmer’s earlier remarks.
Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy, a prominent voice on issues of racial justice within the party, criticised Starmer’s comments, labelling them “insulting” to descendants of enslaved Africans who continue to experience social and economic disenfranchisement. Addressing a cross-party conference on reparations in London, Ribeiro-Addy stated, “It is very insulting to tell people of African descent to forget and move forward.” Her remarks were echoed by fellow Labour MP Clive Lewis, who argued that the Prime Minister’s approach suggested a “colonial mindset”, effectively dictating the terms of what topics could and could not be debated on an international stage.
Starmer, speaking at a news conference in Samoa, clarified that any forthcoming discussions on the issue would not be “about money” but failed to outline what, if any, alternative reparative measures were being considered by his government. These remarks did little to quell the frustration expressed by proponents of reparations, who argue that the legacy of slavery has perpetuated systemic inequalities that persist in Commonwealth nations and beyond. As Lewis put it, Starmer’s stance is perceived as undermining the agency of Caribbean and African nations that have advocated for substantive dialogue on the matter.
In contrast, a Downing Street spokesperson declined to comment further on Starmer’s remarks or the criticisms raised by Labour MPs, maintaining the government’s position that Britain is focusing on fostering forward-looking relations within the Commonwealth.
Reparations advocates argue that reparative justice encompasses a range of potential measures beyond financial compensation. These include formal apologies, debt relief for former colonies, the restitution of cultural artefacts, and educational reforms that integrate a more critical examination of Britain’s colonial history. Diane Abbott, a veteran Labour MP and the first Black woman elected to the UK Parliament, noted that the Labour Party previously pledged to establish a National Reparations Commission to explore such possibilities, lamenting that Starmer “seems to have forgotten” these commitments.
The complex debate surrounding reparations remains highly divisive within Britain. Supporters view reparations as a moral imperative to address historical injustices, while detractors contend that contemporary citizens and governments should not be held accountable for historical transgressions. The decision of Commonwealth nations to include reparations discussions in the summit’s final communique has reinforced the issue’s relevance on the global stage, underscoring the need for thoughtful dialogue and collaboration.
As global attention refocuses on the residual impacts of colonialism and slavery, the question remains as to how Britain will navigate its relationship with former colonies amid calls for reparative justice. The outcome of such discussions may well shape the UK’s role within the Commonwealth in an increasingly multipolar world.
