The UK government has announced that there will not be an official apology for Britain’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade when King Charles and Sir Keir Starmer attend the Commonwealth summit in Samoa next week, according to a spokesperson from Downing Street. The spokesperson added that financial reparations have also been ruled out. Last year, the King expressed regret for the “wrongdoings” of colonialism during a visit to Kenya but did not provide an official apology, which would require government approval. The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting will bring together leaders from 56 nations on 25 and 26 October.
Despite speculation that the issue of slavery may be raised at the summit, a symbolic apology is not currently planned. According to a government spokesperson, the conference will instead focus on current issues, such as “shared challenges and opportunities faced by the Commonwealth, including driving growth across our economies.” Due to the requirement for ministerial agreement, the King’s ability to make an apology for Britain’s slavery links is restricted. Calls for an apology have been made by Labour MPs including Bell Ribeiro-Addy, whilst figures up to £200bn have been quoted by Caribbean leaders as appropriate total reparations.
Those opposed to an apology point to the role Britain played in ending slavery, including the abolition of the slave trade by legislation in 1807. The issue of reparations and apologies continues to divide opinion, with readers of the BBC’s Royal Watch newsletter divided in their views. Some argue that they should not apologise for something they had no part in, while others believe it would go some way to acknowledging the associated injustices.
The Commonwealth summit will also feature a vote on a new secretary-general, with all of the candidates supporting reparations for the transatlantic slave trade
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