Oct 14, 2024 Story by: Editor
Ahead of the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa from October 21-26, renewed calls for Britain to pay slavery reparations, which could amount to over £200 billion, have been directed at both King Charles and Labour leader Keir Starmer.
Fifteen Caribbean nations, members of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), are set to raise the issue of reparations during the meeting. All candidates for the Commonwealth Secretary-General position have expressed support for reparations related to transatlantic slavery and colonialism.
Earlier in October, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley met with King Charles at Buckingham Palace, where they reportedly discussed reparations. Mottley, speaking at a United Nations event, referenced the estimated amount of reparations, stating, “The numbers have been looked at and studied by many persons, and the figures suggest a minimum of $5 trillion dollars, 4.9 to be precise, is what it would be if we were to be similarly compensated across the board today.”
Britain’s Role in Barbados and Slavery
Barbados was Britain’s first slave society, with its “slave code” introduced in 1661, legally treating African people as property. The island was a central hub for ships involved in the transatlantic slave trade, where trafficked Africans were transported to work on plantations in the Caribbean and North America. Goods like sugar, tobacco, and cotton produced by enslaved laborers were then brought back to Britain, enriching its economy and funding its infrastructure.
The British monarchy and government were deeply involved in this system. Queen Elizabeth I was personally connected to the slave trade through her dealings with John Hawkins, one of the first British slave traders. The practice persisted until the abolition of slavery in 1834.
What Are Reparations?
Reparations refer to the process of making amends for past wrongs. Campaigners and descendants of enslaved Africans argue that addressing the legacy of slavery requires more than just apologies—it calls for tangible steps to address the enduring inequalities caused by colonialism and the enslavement of African people.
Caricom has laid out a ten-point plan for reparatory justice, detailing what steps should be taken by European governments. The plan has gained momentum, partly due to social media, growing republicanism in the Caribbean, and more outspoken political leaders.
Estimates of Reparations: £200 Billion to £19 Trillion
Experts have proposed various reparations amounts, with estimates differing based on the scale of Britain’s involvement in the slave trade. Earlier this year, Reverend Dr. Michael Banner, Dean of Trinity College Cambridge, estimated that Britain owes £205 billion in reparations. Another report, authored by International Court of Justice judge Patrick Robinson, suggested that the UK should pay a staggering $24 trillion (£18.8 trillion) for its involvement in slavery across 14 nations. This study was supported by the Brattle Group and the University of the West Indies.
Britain’s Stance on Reparations
Successive UK governments have refused to formally apologize for Britain’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. In the lead-up to CHOGM, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office confirmed that reparations would not be discussed, stating simply, “We do not pay reparations.”
However, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, whose ancestors were enslaved, has voiced his support for reparatory justice. In 2018, he stated, “I’m afraid as Caribbean people we are not going to forget our history—we don’t just want to hear an apology, we want reparations.”
In 2022, Charles III expressed “profound sorrow” over slavery at the Commonwealth summit in Rwanda, and his son, Prince William, condemned the trade as “abhorrent” during a tour in Jamaica. Charles also signaled support for research into the royal family’s links to slavery.
Who Is Engaging with Reparations Demands?
Several British institutions, including the Church of England, the University of Glasgow, Greene King brewery, and NHS Lothian trust, have taken steps toward reparations for their roles in slavery. A few aristocratic families, such as the Trevelyans and the descendants of former Prime Minister William Gladstone, have issued apologies and made financial contributions.
Internationally, Dutch King Willem-Alexander recently apologized for the Netherlands’ involvement in slavery, although the Dutch government has resisted calls for financial reparations, leading to legal action against it.
The Argument Against Reparations
Some historians argue that Britain should not be required to pay reparations because of its role in ending slavery. However, the abolition of slavery was driven more by economic shifts, slave revolts, and changing public opinion rather than purely humanitarian reasons. Despite this, while slave owners were compensated £20 million for the loss of their “property,” no reparations were ever paid to the enslaved or their descendants. This has kept the debate over reparations alive. Source: Independent
