UK and Commonwealth Leaders Brace for Reparations Debate at Samoa Summit

LONDON, Oct 25 (Alliance News): As Commonwealth leaders gather in Samoa, Britain’s government and King Charles III are preparing for a likely contentious discussion on reparations for the transatlantic slave trade.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged a “forward-looking” focus, emphasizing current challenges like climate change affecting Commonwealth nations.

However, diplomatic preparations for the summit include an expected commitment to a “meaningful, truthful and respectful conversation” on slavery reparations, according to BBC reports.

Historically, Britain enslaved 3.1 million Africans between 1640 and 1807, primarily transporting them to Caribbean colonies to work on sugar plantations.

Successive British governments have resisted formal apologies or discussions on reparations.

A recent report by the Brattle Group estimates potential reparations at $24 trillion (£18.5 trillion), about seven times the UK’s current GDP.

King Charles III, who has taken a more conciliatory tone on past atrocities, is set to open the summit.

In prior addresses, he has acknowledged the “wrongdoings of the past” with “deepest regret,” urging the Commonwealth to find ways to address its historical legacy.