Starmer can’t afford to lose the argument on slavery reparations

The Commonwealth – whose 56 nations are meeting in the Pacific island nation of Samoa – looks set to defy Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer by putting slavery reparations on the agenda. The leaders of some Caribbean countries insist it is ‘only a matter of time’ until Britain bows to demands of handing over billions of pounds in compensation. Reports suggest they are pushing for a clear agreement on plans for reparatory justice and want to publish this in the all-important final communique of the summit.

Such a move would lay bare the growing divisions at the gathering. It would also amount to a damaging public setback for Starmer, who has insisted that compensation for the transatlantic slave trade is not on the table for discussions. A Downing Street spokesman earlier this week could not have been more categorical: ‘The government’s position on this has not changed – we do not pay reparations.’