POLL OF THE DAY: Should Britain pay reparations to Commonwealth countries? VOTE NOW
After Sir Keir Starmer signed the UK up to the Commonwealth’s reparations-referencing communique, GB News asks its members whether Britain pay reparations for its role in the transatlantic slave trade.
The Prime Minister, who headed to Samoa with a stern position on coughing up billions of pounds to predominantly Caribbean countries, finally agreed the “time has come” to discuss reparations.
In a single paragraph, the document noted calls for discussion, admitting that the time has come for “conversation” regarding the UK’s role in slavery.
Responding to the decision to agree to the Commonwealth communique, the Prime Minister said: “None of the discussions have been about money. Our position is very, very clear in relation to that.”
Starmer went into the Commonwealth conference facing backlash from Caribbean countries and several backbench Labour MPs.
He also concluded that further discussions on the topic would be held at the UK-Caribbean Forum next year, which will be attended by foreign ministers.
The particular phrasing was settled following pressure from Commonwealth chiefs, while the Prime Minister repeatedly claimed that the issue was “not on the agenda” for the meeting.
This announcement has conflicted with Starmer’s previous insistence that he would be solely focused on “forward-facing” issues, such as climate change, rather than “long discussions” on the past.
Speaking to reporters ahead of touching down in Samoa, Starmer said: “I’d rather roll up my sleeves and work with them on the current future-facing challenges than spend a lot of time on the past.”
Responding to Starmer’s previously hardline stance on the issue of reparatory justice, Bahamian premier Philip Davis told Politico: “I don’t want to comment on his views about looking forward or on the past, but I think knowing what the past is should inform your decision-making towards the future.”
Starmer has also received criticism backlash from backbench Labour MPs, with Bell Ribeiro-Addy arguing: “I think the reason why they’re not apologising is perhaps because of the liability”.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has attracted a substantial amount of criticism in recent weeks after his 2018 comments in favour of reparations resurfaced.
Responding to Lammy’s 2018 comments, Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell said: “Starmer hand-picked Lammy to represent our country’s interests on the world stage.
“He must have known that doing so would, given Lammy’s long-standing support for reparations, prompt demands from other nations to cripple our economy,
“Starmer needs to decide, does he represent the UK’s interests on the world stage, or not?”
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