UK was ‘vehement’ slavery reparations should not be on Commonwealth summit agenda
Summary
Ralph Gonsalves said British officials strongly opposed putting slavery reparations on the agenda of the Commonwealth leaders’ summit and warned that the British prime minister might not attend if it was included. Reparations are not on the formal agenda, but leaders are expected to discuss the format of a proposed structured dialogue during a private retreat.Key Facts
- The Commonwealth Heads of Government summit is being held in Antigua and Barbuda and brings together leaders from 56 countries.
- The summit’s stated priorities include trade, climate resilience, finance, sustainable debt, democracy and opportunities for young people.
- Gonsalves, a former prime minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, said British officials were joined by Canadian officials in opposing a formal agenda item on reparations.
- Gonsalves said officials wrongly claimed that India opposed discussing reparations; he said India supported a related UN General Assembly resolution in March 2026.
- British Prime Minister Andy Burnham agreed to structured dialogue on reparations and said Britain would consider an apology, according to the article.
- Caribbean leaders and campaigners welcomed the shift but said they still want to determine what reparations could involve.
- Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali called for a Commonwealth subcommittee to develop details for the dialogue over the next six to 12 months.
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