Britain’s Foreign Secretary stated on Monday that reparations for the U.K.’s role in the slave trade are not about a “transfer of cash” and emphasized the importance of focusing on the future. Calls for Britain to confront its role in the transatlantic slave trade have intensified, especially from its former colonies. This issue emerged prominently at the recent 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, where leaders demanded a “meaningful, respectful and truthful” conversation on reparatory justice.
During his visit to Nigeria, Foreign Secretary David Lammy spoke to the BBC, acknowledging his personal connection to the legacy of slavery as a descendant of enslaved people, with parents from Guyana. He recognized that slavery was “horrendous” and had caused lasting “scars.” However, Lammy stressed that people should prioritize the future over debating reparations.
“It’s not about the transfer of cash, particularly at a time of a cost-of-living crisis around much of the globe, and certainly in the U.K.,” Lammy said. He highlighted Britain’s aim to forge a new approach in its relations with African nations, focusing on “respectful partnerships that listen rather than dictate, deliver long-term growth rather than short-term solutions, and build a freer, safer, more prosperous continent.”
While several nations, including the Netherlands, have apologized for their roles in slavery, the U.K., whose wealth significantly benefited from the transatlantic slave trade, has never issued a formal apology. At the recent Commonwealth summit, King Charles III addressed the calls for reparations indirectly. He acknowledged the importance of recognizing the past, but emphasized that it could not be changed. He urged leaders to find the “right language” and a comprehensive understanding of history to guide decisions that address existing inequalities effectively.
