Britain has made it clear that it will not be addressing the issue of reparations for historical transatlantic slavery during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which

began in Samoa on Monday. However, the UK is open to engaging with leaders who wish to raise the topic.

Representatives from 56 countries, all with ties to Britain’s former empire, are attending the summit. Although consecutive British governments have rejected calls for reparations, some in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are hopeful that the new Labour government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer might shift the UK’s stance after 14 years of Conservative rule.

Despite these hopes, a spokesperson for Starmer reiterated the government's position on Monday, stating, "We do not pay reparations" and confirming that the UK would not be offering an apology at CHOGM. Nevertheless, the spokesperson added that the UK remains willing to engage in discussions with partners on the matter.

CARICOM, which includes nations such as Jamaica and Barbados, views the summit as an important opportunity to raise the issue of reparations. CARICOM has developed a reparations plan that goes beyond financial compensation, advocating for formal apologies from European countries and support for educational programs.

The issue of reparations has gained traction worldwide, with proponents arguing that the legacy of slavery has created ongoing racial inequalities. Meanwhile, opponents contend that current generations should not be held accountable for historical wrongs. Photo by Tavita Togia, National Park Service, Wikimedia commons.