"UK will not apologise for role in slavery at Commonwealth Summit" UK Government says

Tuesday, October 23, 2024 - The United Kingdom (UK) government will not apologise over Britain's role in the transatlantic slave trade at this week's Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) summit in Samoa, Downing Street has said.

Downing Street said yesterday, October 21, that the government would not be paying reparations for slavery.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer remains opposed to apologising for the UK's historical role in slavery, his office insisted.

The prime minister would travel to Samoa this week for the biennial Commonvealth meeting, amid mounting pressure.

The pressure was mounted from the leaders of Caribbean nations to pay reparations for the impact of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

Labour lawmakers have also reportedly called for the prime minister to address the calls as he attended the summit on the Pacific island nation.

But the Starmer's oficial spokesman insisted he would not be discussing reparations at the gathering.

"Reparation's not on the agenda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.

"The government's position on this has not changed, we do not pay reparations. The prime minister's attending this week's summit to discuss shared challenges and opportunities faced by the Commonwealth including driving growth across our economies," he said.

Asked again about an apology, the spokesman added. "the position on apology remains the same; we won't be offering an apology at CHOGM.

"But we would continue to engage with partners on the issues as we work with them to tackle the pressing challenges of today and indeed for the future generations." 

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