APIA, Samoa – Commonwealth leaders have expressed that “the time has come” to engage in discussions about reparations for the transatlantic slave trade, following a two-day summit in Samoa that included a signed commitment from 56 heads of government, among them UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
The leaders’ joint statement acknowledges a need for “meaningful, truthful and respectful” discussions on reparatory justice for what it describes as the “abhorrent” history of slavery.
The call for talks on reparations marks a shift within the Commonwealth, despite earlier UK efforts to keep the topic off the summit agenda.
While Prime Minister Starmer reaffirmed that no specific financial reparations were under consideration, the UK’s steadfast stance on the matter has met with increasing pressure from Commonwealth leaders seeking both acknowledgement and justice for historical wrongs.
“The dominant theme of the two days has been resilience and climate,” Starmer said during a press conference, adding that the reference to reparations amounted to “one paragraph in 20-something paragraphs.”
He emphasised, “None of the discussions have been about money. Our position is very, very clear in relation to that.”
This summit arrives amid growing calls within the Commonwealth for the UK to formally acknowledge and make amends for its past involvement in the slave trade.
While Downing Street maintained that reparations would not be a focal topic at the summit, a document emerging from the meetings underscores the leaders’ willingness to keep the conversation open.
Frederick Mitchell, the foreign minister of the Bahamas, confirmed ongoing diplomatic efforts, stating that leaders aim to create a “comprehensive report” on reparations at the upcoming UK-Caribbean forum in London next March.
“Behind the language is an attempt to go in a particular direction,” Mitchell noted, expressing an expectation that the UK will ultimately offer financial reparations to Caribbean nations.
While reparations remain a contentious topic, diplomacy continues as the Commonwealth balances historic issues alongside other pressing topics such as trade, climate change, and security.
Noting that this dialogue will likely shape future summits, diplomats anticipate reparatory justice will feature prominently when the Commonwealth reconvenes in two years.
