The UK government has confirmed it will not issue a formal apology for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade at the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) summit in Samoa. Despite the expected discussions on historical ties to slavery, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office has made it clear that a symbolic apology is not on the agenda. The summit, which will take place on October 25 and 26, will see leaders from 56 nations, including King Charles and Starmer, come together to discuss various global issues.
This announcement follows ongoing pressure on the UK to address its colonial past and the lasting impacts of the slave trade. While last year King Charles expressed “great sorrow and regret” over British atrocities committed during Kenya’s fight for independence, his remarks were criticized by human rights groups for stopping short of a full apology. Such an apology would have required approval from the government, which remains firm in its stance against issuing one.
In addition to ruling out an apology, Downing Street also reiterated on Monday that there are no plans to offer reparations for slavery. This decision aligns with the position of the previous Conservative government, which also rejected the idea of reparations. Starmer’s government appears to be continuing the approach taken by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who stated last year that “trying to unpick our history is not the right way forward.”
The lack of an apology could provoke disappointment from some Commonwealth nations, many of which were directly affected by Britain’s colonial actions and involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. All three candidates vying for the role of Commonwealth secretary general have voiced support for reparations or some form of reparative justice for countries impacted by slavery and colonization. As the summit nears, this issue is expected to be a significant point of contention.
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Although the UK government is resisting calls for an apology and reparations, some institutions within the country have taken steps toward addressing their links to slavery. Last year, the Church of England pledged to create a £1 billion fund to address the legacy of slavery, while The Guardian apologized for its founders’ involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, launching a £10 million restorative justice initiative. These actions highlight a growing movement within the UK to confront the past, even as the government maintains its current stance.
The CHOGM summit will also feature discussions on choosing a successor to Patricia Scotland, who has served as Commonwealth secretary general since 2016. The three candidates from the Gambia, Ghana, and Lesotho have all emphasized the importance of addressing historical injustices through reparations or other measures. As the debate continues, the UK faces mounting pressure to engage in the conversation about its colonial history and its role in shaping the current global landscape.
As Starmer’s office has made clear, the UK delegation will focus on “shared challenges and opportunities” during the summit, including economic growth. However, with historical grievances still looming large, the issue of Britain’s colonial legacy and its impact on the Commonwealth nations may dominate the discussions.