As Commonwealth leaders gather in Samoa for the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), the UK’s past actions and unaddressed colonial injustices are thrust into the spotlight.
King Charles and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer are facing renewed demands for reparations over Britain’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, with leaders calling for justice on behalf of the millions affected across the Caribbean and Africa.
Growing Demand for Reparations: A Movement Gains Momentum
The push for reparations has gained notable traction, especially with social justice movements like Black Lives Matter and recent shifts within the British monarchy.
Caribbean nations, many represented in Samoa, are intensifying demands for financial restitution and acknowledgement of colonial atrocities.
This movement seeks redress for a painful legacy that has, for generations, impacted the descendants of enslaved people.
Understanding Reparations: Why They’re Demanded
Reparations refer to financial compensation to the descendants of enslaved people who were forcibly brought from Africa to work without pay in British colonies.
Starting in 1661 with Barbados, Britain legalized the slave trade, building a massive economy on the forced labour of Africans who cultivated sugar, tobacco, and cotton—commodities sold for immense profit that bolstered British wealth and infrastructure.
While the British government compensated former slave owners for the loss of “property” after abolishing slavery in 1834, no compensation was ever offered to the enslaved or their families. Now, those countries affected are asking Britain to make amends.
The Royal Family’s Historic Role in the Slave Trade
The British monarchy was deeply entangled in the slave trade for centuries. Under King Charles II, the Royal African Company was established, transporting hundreds of thousands of Africans to the Caribbean, solidifying slavery as a state-sponsored institution.
Even as recently as William IV, British royalty publicly defended the institution of slavery. This entrenched involvement has led many to believe that the monarchy should play a role in acknowledging and addressing this dark chapter.
The Caribbean’s 10-Point Plan for Reparatory Justice
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), representing 15 governments, has proposed a detailed 10-point plan seeking reparations, economic aid, and climate adaptation support.
Central to this plan are requests for an official apology, development initiatives, and a repatriation program. CARICOM argues that colonialism left lasting scars and is responsible for the enduring economic struggles in the Caribbean, positioning reparations as a necessary step toward rectifying centuries of exploitation.
The Financial Debate: How Much is Britain’s Debt?
As the reparations debate continues, experts have attempted to quantify Britain’s colonial debt.
A report from Cambridge’s Trinity College in 2023 estimated that Britain owes around £205 billion. Another study, led by an International Court of Justice judge, suggested the UK owes 14 Caribbean nations up to $24 trillion (£18.8 trillion) for historical injustices.
UK’s Stance: Will Britain Acknowledge Its Past?
Both King Charles and Sir Keir Starmer have sidestepped direct discussions on reparations. The King spoke in Samoa about the “wrongs of the past” and his family’s commitment to “learning lessons,” yet stopped short of a formal apology.
Starmer, while acknowledging colonial challenges, stressed the importance of focusing on current issues like climate change. This approach has left many Commonwealth nations dissatisfied, hoping for tangible steps rather than rhetoric.
The Path Forward
As the Commonwealth reflects on its shared history and evolving partnerships, leaders in Samoa are likely to keep pushing the UK to confront its colonial legacy.
Whether these renewed calls for reparations lead to action remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the demand for justice and accountability is louder than ever—and it will continue to grow until it’s heard and acted upon.
