King Charles called on the Commonwealth to recognise its “painful” history, as African and Caribbean nations continue to seek reparations for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade on Friday.
Leaders from 56 countries, many with historical connections to Britain’s former empire, are attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, which began on Monday.
“I understand from listening to people across the Commonwealth how the most painful aspects of our past continue to resonate,” King Charles remarked in his address to the summit. “It is vital, therefore, that we understand our history to guide us towards making the right choices for the future.”
The demand for Britain to pay reparations or make other amends for its role in transatlantic slavery has long been an issue but has recently gained momentum, particularly from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the African Union. While opponents argue that present-day nations should not be held accountable for historical wrongs, proponents claim that the legacy of slavery has resulted in enduring racial inequality.
British prime minister Keir Starmer on Friday expressed the country’s willingness to engage in discussions with nations seeking to address the issue at the summit, but he ruled out offering a formal apology for Britain’s historical role in the trade. Bahamas Foreign Minister Frederick Mitchell told the BBC on Thursday that the summit’s draft conclusions, expected to be published on Saturday, include provisions for discussions on reparations.
Between the 15th and 19th centuries, at least 12.5 million Africans were kidnapped, transported by European ships and merchants, and sold into slavery. Those who survived the gruelling voyages were forced to labour under brutal conditions on plantations in the Americas, while others profited from their suffering.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Patricia Scotland, a British diplomat born in Dominica, reflected on the resilience of the Commonwealth. “We have demonstrated an unparalleled ability to overcome the painful history that brought us together and have sat as equals for 75 years,” she told the summit.