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British PM responds to call for slave trade reparations British PM responds to call for slave trade reparations
(about 20 hours later)
The issue is not on Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Commonwealth summit agenda, according to his spokespersonThe issue is not on Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Commonwealth summit agenda, according to his spokesperson
Britain will not raise the issue of reparations transatlantic slavery at a meeting of Commonwealth nations this week, according to a Reuters report on Monday. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declined to include the issue of reparations for the transatlantic slave trade on the agenda at this week’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa. In response to growing calls, a spokesperson for Starmer confirmed that the UK will not be offering financial compensation or an apology.
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) kicked off in Samoa on Monday. It brings together leaders and officials from 56 countries, most of them former British colonies. The organization is set to choose a new secretary-general during the event.
According to the report, both British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles will be present at the meeting. However, a spokesperson for Starmer said on Monday that reparations were not on the prime minister’s agenda.
“We do not pay reparations,” the spokesperson said, adding “The position on an apology remains the same. We won’t be offering an apology at CHOGM.”“We do not pay reparations,” the spokesperson said, adding “The position on an apology remains the same. We won’t be offering an apology at CHOGM.”
The spokesperson also noted they would “continue to engage with partners on these issues.”  The statement also noted that London would “continue to engage with partners on these issues.” 
In April 2023, Starmer’s predecessor, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak publicly declined to apologize or offer reparations for the slave trade, saying that “trying to unpick our history is not the right way forward and is not something we will focus our energies on.”  Both Starmer and King Charles are attending the summit, which brings together 56 Commonwealth nations. 
The UK has for years faced growing demands to pay reparations for its role in the slaveholding practices. The British Empire traded an estimated 3.1 million Africans, of whom 2.7 million were sent to colonies in the Caribbean, North and South America, and other places over a period of 150 years. The slave trade was abolished by Britain’s Parliament in 1807. The issue of reparations has gained increasing attention in recent years, with several former British colonies urging for compensation for the atrocities of the slave trade. However, London’s stance remains unchanged, calling for reconciliation through other means. 
The CHOGM summit, which began on Monday, will focus on broader issues such as climate change, trade, and the future of the Commonwealth.
According to research conducted by economic consulting firm Brattle Group Report and published by the University of the West Indies in 2023, the UK alone would be on the hook for a sum of $24 trillion as reparations for transatlantic slavery in 14 countries. Of that sum, about $9.6 trillion would be due to Jamaica.According to research conducted by economic consulting firm Brattle Group Report and published by the University of the West Indies in 2023, the UK alone would be on the hook for a sum of $24 trillion as reparations for transatlantic slavery in 14 countries. Of that sum, about $9.6 trillion would be due to Jamaica.
Meanwhile, sources told Reuters that the Caribbean Community (Caricom), which comprises 15 member states, are poised to raise the issue of reparations at the Commonwealth meeting.Meanwhile, sources told Reuters that the Caribbean Community (Caricom), which comprises 15 member states, are poised to raise the issue of reparations at the Commonwealth meeting.
In July, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley unveiled a decision by Caricom to “very forcefully” speak on reparations during CHOGM in Samoa.In July, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley unveiled a decision by Caricom to “very forcefully” speak on reparations during CHOGM in Samoa.
UN judge Patrick Robinson said in August 2023 that the UK will no longer be able to ignore the growing calls for reparation for transatlantic slavery, stressing that compensation “is required by history and it is required by law.”UN judge Patrick Robinson said in August 2023 that the UK will no longer be able to ignore the growing calls for reparation for transatlantic slavery, stressing that compensation “is required by history and it is required by law.”