Caribbean nations and PM in reparations showdown

Downing Street has rejected demands, saying the issue of slave trade compensation or apology is not on the agenda’

- MILLIE COOKE

Sir Keir Starmer is facing pressure to rethink the UK’s position on reparations for its role in the slave trade, as the government is set to face a showdown next year with a delegation of Caribbean nations over the issue.

It comes as the prime minister travels to Samoa for a major Commonwealth summit. The biennial gathering of heads of government for the 56 nations will see leaders elect the new Commonwealth secretary general. All three candidates seeking the top job have called for reparations to countries that were affected by slavery and colonialism.

The 15 member states of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), who have previously set out formal demands for reparations in a 10-point plan, are planning a delegation to the UK in 2025 with an updated list of demands. Downing Street has rejected demands, saying the issue is “not on the agenda” for the event and “we won’t be offering an apology”.

Pressure is also building on Sir Keir from within his party, with Bell Ribeiro-Addy, MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill, saying No 10’s position was “disappointing” and likening it to old “colonial attitudes”.