What does Britain ‘owe’ Caribbean nations in reparations for slavery?

Still afloat

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh nearly lost Britain an investment in an expansion of London Gateway docks by calling P&O  a ‘rogue operator’ and imploring us all to boycott its ferries. The company, owned by DP World since 2006, was once considered by the UK government to be the most trustworthy shipping line around. As the Peninsula Steam Navigation Company, it built its reputation on a contract awarded by the Admiralty in 1837 to carry mail to Spain and Portugal. Three years later it was also awarded the contract to carry mail to Egypt, adding the name ‘Oriental’ to its name. By 1914 it was carrying mail to India.

Sorry figures

Some fantasy figures for what Britain apparently owes Caribbean nations in reparations for slavery:

– £200bn: what 15 nations are said to be going to ask Britain for at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting next week.

– £205bn, according to Michael Banner, dean of Trinity College, Cambridge.