Calls for the UK to offer reparations for its historical involvement in the slave trade have resurfaced ahead of a gathering of Commonwealth nations on Friday. Even though Sir Keir Starmer stated that reparatory justice would not be discussed, Commonwealth leaders have chosen to go against the prime minister’s wishes and are planning to engage in a “meaningful conversation” on the subject. The UK has been under pressure for a long time to provide reparations for its role in the Atlantic slave trade, which led to millions of Africans being enslaved and exploited, mainly on plantations in the Caribbean and the Americas. While the chancellor has stated that the UK will not be making direct payments for reparations, there may be other forms of reparations to consider. Reparations are actions taken to make up for past wrongs or injustices. Starting from the year 1500, the British government and monarchy played significant roles in the slave trade that lasted for centuries, along with other European nations. Britain was also instrumental in ending the slave trade through the abolition of slavery law passed by Parliament in 1833. As part of this law, British plantation owners were compensated for the loss of their slaves with approximately £20 million. The UK only finished paying off the debt incurred for these payments in 2015. Reparations for those who suffered due to slavery can come in various forms, including financial and symbolic gestures. The United Nations states that reparations should be proportionate to the severity of the violations and harm caused. Some of the forms that reparations can take include monetary compensation, apologies, educational initiatives, and investments in healthcare. However, it is uncertain whether the UK will commit to providing reparations, as there has been no formal apology or offer of compensation from the government. The current stance of the UK government is to focus on present challenges rather than dwell on the past.
