Caribbean Nations to Seek £206 Billion Slave Trade Reparations from UK at Commonwealth Summit

Oct 13, 2024, 01:17 PM

Caribbean nations are preparing to demand that the United Kingdom pay £206 billion ($270 billion) in reparations for its historical role in the transatlantic slave trade at the upcoming Commonwealth summit in Samoa, set to be considered on October 21. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley is reportedly leading the initiative, with support from Caribbean leader Hilary Beckles, aiming to address the damages inflicted during the colonial era. The demand has sparked controversy in the UK, with critics describing it as 'utterly ironic' given Barbados's links to China and expressing concerns that it could incite racial tensions and potentially bankrupt Britain. Robert Hardman warned that the reparations demand could "stir up race hatred" and questioned whether Keir Starmer would concede as he did over the Chagos Islands. Emma Woolf commented on the demand, stating, "It's absolutely ludicrous. It doesn't change anything and we certainly shouldn't be doing it!" There are also discussions about the involvement of King Charles and whether the UK government will agree to the reparations request.