Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the BBC that the UK “cannot change history” in response to a question about paying reparations to countries affected by the transatlantic slave trade.
His comments come as Commonwealth heads of government want to start a “meaningful dialogue” on the issue, which could mean the UK paying billions of pounds for its historic role in trade, diplomatic sources said. This comes after speaking to the BBC.
Lord Keir, who is currently in Samoa for a meeting of Commonwealth countries, said the trade was “abhorrent” and it was important to "talk about our history”.
Prime Minister Rachel Reeves ruled out the possibility of payments, saying in an interview early Thursday, “That’s not what this government is doing.”
Sir Keir said the focus should be on “the challenges of the day”, such as resilience in the face of climate change and boosting trade between Commonwealth countries.
He added that he wanted to help member states work with international financial institutions in relation to climate change to “free up funds that could help their countries.”
Leaders from 56 countries will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Samoa on Friday and Saturday.
Commonwealth leaders are expected to discuss how to rebel against Britain and secure reparations for historic slavery. At its peak, Britain was the world’s largest slave trading nation. Downing Street said the issue was not on the summit’s agenda.
Reparative justice for slavery takes many forms, including economic reparations, debt forgiveness, public apologies, educational programs, museum construction, financial support, and public health assistance.
In the run-up to the summit, calls are growing from Commonwealth leaders demanding an apology and reparations from the UK.
King Charles officially opened the summit on Friday, saying Commonwealth countries “know and understand each other so that we can discuss even the most difficult issues openly and respectfully.”
“Our unity requires recognizing where we come from,” he said.
“As we listen to the stories of people across the Commonwealth, we understand how the most painful aspects of our past continue to resonate.
“Therefore, it is essential to understand our history in order to make the right choices in the future.
“None of us can change the past, but we can learn its lessons and commit wholeheartedly to finding creative ways to correct the inequalities that persist.”
He also spoke about the need to tackle climate change and said Commonwealth countries should strive to be “an example to the rest of the world”, adding that the organization was “very important” to his mother. A tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II. “To her.
During the meeting, a new Secretary-General of the Federation will be elected. All three candidates, Ghana’s Shirley Botchway, Lesotho’s Joshua Setipa and Gambia’s Mamadou Tangara, support reparative justice.
Bahamian Foreign Minister Frederick Mitchell appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Today program on Thursday and said he believed Britain would change its attitude, adding: “It may take a while for people to get back on their feet, but they will get back on their feet. ” he said.
Mr Mitchell also urged the British government to issue an apology, telling a Commonwealth gathering: “It’s simple. It can be done in one sentence, one line.”
Asked if an apology would be made, Sir Keir said: “Of course there has already been an apology for the slave trade, so that’s not surprising. It’s what we expected.”
In 2007, then Prime Minister Tony Blair apologized for the slave trade. “I said I’m sorry and I’ll say it again,” he said after meeting with Ghana’s president.
During the interview with the BBC, Sir Keir was also asked about the complaint Donald Trump’s team has lodged against the Labor Party against party members and activists who volunteered for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. .
“I think we need to look at this for what it is,” he said, adding: “Some Labor members and staff are campaigning in their free time.”
“This kind of thing is happening in every election in different parts of the world. All political parties are doing the same thing…I think we need to put this issue in its proper perspective.”
Sir Keir added that he and President Trump both hoped for a “good working relationship” and that the two recently had dinner together.
He said he had “absolute clarity” about his “primary mission” of economic growth, dismissing suggestions that his party was still adjusting to power.
Next Wednesday, Premier Rachel Reeves is expected to unveil the government’s tax and spending plans in her budget.
Earlier, Mr Reeves told the BBC that he would change the government’s self-imposed debt rules to fund infrastructure spending.
Asked about the Budget, Sir Keir said the economy had hardly grown under a Conservative government and he wanted to “clean up” and “clean up the mess”.
“I believe in running towards the problem. If you know what the problem is and what the challenge is, every company and every family knows that and you can move towards it. Please run and solve it.”
The Conservatives have questioned the Chancellor’s decision to change debt rules, disputing Labor’s claims that it has created a £22bn black hole in the economy.
Gareth Davies, the party’s shadow chancellor for the exchequer, said: “The uncertainty surrounding further borrowing risks interest rates remaining high for an extended period of time.”
“Families across the country will pay the price.”
