UK Commits £40 Million to Caribbean Green Energy Amidst Slavery Apology Debate
King acknowledges transatlantic slave trade's 'shadow' as Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary signal openness to apology but rule out direct reparations.
Callum Smith
The UK is allocating £40 million over three years to accelerate critical infrastructure investment in the Caribbean.
The King acknowledged the transatlantic slave trade "still casts a shadow" during the summit, expressing personal sorrow. This marks a notable shift from the UK's previous resistance to reparations discussions at the 2024 Chogm summit.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham set out plans for a "debt reset" to assist poorer countries with repayments. He also wrote in the Guardian that he was "open to" calls for a formal slavery apology.
I mean, not… no. And that's – for us, that's never been what it's about. And that's why it's been important that you know, and I did have this conversation with our partners in advance. I said, 'look, we are going to say we are willing to say that we are open to an apology, but we're not going to shift our position on reparations.'
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated on X that the UK should apologize for transatlantic slavery. Miliband confirmed the UK's position: "'I mean, not… no. And that's – for us, that's never been what it's about. And that's why it's been important that you know, and I did have this conversation with our partners in advance. I said, 'look, we are going to say we are willing to say that we are open to an apology, but we're not going to shift our position on reparations.'"
Miliband further clarified the UK's stance on financial redress. He stated, "'It's not for us. It's not the right answer. It's not practical. It's not feasible for us, but there are things we can work on co-operatively.'" He noted a sense of relief among partners, adding, "'My sense is there's a bit of a sigh of relief that OK well at least you know at least there's a sense of we've got a shared interest now in moving the Commonwealth on.'"
No10 explicitly ruled out paying reparations directly. The UK expects to engage in a "structured dialogue" about historical issues with Commonwealth nations, with a conclusion anticipated within a year.
Ghana's President, John Dramani Mahama, observed a "'shift in some very strong positions'" from the UK. He noted the UK is now "'more open to interacting with the rest of the world' and the Commonwealth," adding this creates "'a first step for us to continue to work to see how we can put this whole issue of transatlantic slave trade and colonialism behind us.'"