STORY: King Charles said on Friday (October 25) the Commonwealth needs to acknowledge its “painful” history, as African and Caribbean nations push for reparations for Britain’s role in transatlantic slavery.
He was speaking at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, where climate change and slavery emerged as major themes.
“I understand from listening to people across the Commonwealth how the most painful aspects of our past continue to resonate. It is vital therefore that we understand our history, to guide us to make the right choices in the future.”
The British monarch is the symbolic head of the Commonwealth, which includes 56 countries – most of them former British colonies.
The long-running demand for former colonial powers to make amends for slavery and its legacies today has gained momentum worldwide.
That’s especially among the Caribbean Community and the African Union.
Opponents of reparations say countries should not be held responsible for historical wrongs.
While those in favor say the legacy of slavery has led to vast and persistent racial inequality.
“The slave trade, slave practice was abhorrent and it’s very important that we start from that place.”
In an interview on the summit’s sidelines, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he wanted to focus on moving forward.
“We should look at what are today’s challenges in this group of countries represented here today. […] It’s very clear to me that the major challenges are resilience in the face of climate challenges and also the question of how we improve trade between our countries.”
Starmer has rejected calls for reparations and ruled out apologizing for the country’s historic role.
But he said he was open to engage with leaders who want to discuss it.
The Guardian newspaper reported late on Thursday that sources said Starmer had “opened the door to non-financial reparations,” such as providing debt relief.
The prime minister’s office did not immediately reply to a Reuters request for comment.
The Bahamas’ foreign minister told the BBC the summit’s draft conclusion has paragraphs calling for a discussion on reparations.
That’s set to be published on Saturday (October 26), at the end of the weeklong gathering.