Keir Starmer Faces Pressure for Reparations Discussion at Commonwealth Summit in Samoa
As UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer prepares for his trip to Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) this week, he finds himself under mounting pressure from Labour MPs and Caribbean governments to engage in discussions about reparatory justice. The summit, which kicks off on Monday, is set to be a pivotal moment for the Commonwealth, especially as leaders will be electing a new secretary general to replace Patricia Scotland, who has held the position since 2016.
At the heart of the discussions will be the pressing issue of reparations for countries impacted by slavery and colonialism. All three candidates vying for the secretary general position have publicly called for reparations, echoing sentiments that have been gaining traction in recent years. A notable voice in this conversation is UN judge Patrick Robinson, who concluded last year that the UK owes over £18 trillion in reparations for its historical role in slavery across 14 nations.
Despite the growing chorus for reparations, the UK government has historically resisted these calls. Downing Street has already attempted to downplay the issue ahead of the summit, stating that reparations will not be on the agenda and ruling out any formal apologies during the meeting. However, five Labour MPs have voiced their belief that the UK should be open to discussing reparatory justice, especially in light of the Commonwealth’s historical context.
Bell Ribeiro-Addy, the Labour MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill, emphasized the moral and legal obligation the UK has to address past injustices. She stated, “Refusing to address our role speaks volumes about the regard in which we hold people who still live with the impact of enslavement and colonialism.” This sentiment is echoed by Nadia Whittome, the Labour MP for Nottingham East, who believes that confronting the UK’s colonial past is essential for moving forward.
Clive Lewis, representing Norwich South, added that a new Labour government should aim to foster better relationships with Commonwealth countries, particularly given Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s Caribbean heritage. The expectation is that Lammy will advocate for reparations, given his background and previous commitment to justice for the Windrush generation.
The Commonwealth itself has indicated a willingness to discuss reparatory justice, stating that if any government proposes it, heads of government will decide how to proceed. This opens the door for meaningful conversations at the summit, should Starmer and Lammy choose to engage.
As the meeting approaches, the Commonwealth faces broader questions about its relevance and effectiveness as an association. Attendance at CHOGM has been declining, with notable absences expected from leaders like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who are opting for the BRICS summit in Russia instead.
Samoa, a small island nation with a population of just 200,000, is tasked with hosting this significant event. Organizers have taken steps to accommodate attendees, including chartering cruise ships due to limited hotel infrastructure. The UK, Australia, and New Zealand are also providing security support for the summit.
With the backdrop of a changing Commonwealth and the pressing issue of reparations, Starmer’s actions in Samoa could set a significant precedent for the UK’s relationship with its former colonies. As discussions unfold, the world will be watching to see if the UK government is willing to confront its past and engage in a dialogue that could reshape its future.
