Historic Slavery: Reparations

25 Feb

Question

The UK House of Commons Question session discussed the historic issue of slavery reparations, examining whether the UK Government has engaged in discussions regarding payments to those impacted. The session was focused on international relations, especially with Caribbean and African nations discussed during recent international meetings and within the structure of CARICOM's 10-point plan for reparatory justice.

Outcome

The session concluded with a firm stance from the UK Government, articulated through Anneliese Dodds, asserting that the UK will not engage in financial reparations. Emphasis remains on future partnerships with affected regions to address current challenges such as security and climate change.

Key Contributions

Bell Ribeiro-AddyMP

Labour

Queried recent discussions with international counterparts on slavery reparations, emphasizing the historical impacts of the trade and ongoing need for acknowledgment.

Anneliese DoddsMP

Labour

Acknowledged the enduring concern around the issue but reiterated the UK's firm policy against paying reparations. Emphasized listening to Caribbean partners on various bilateral topics and prioritizing future-oriented cooperation.

Ben Obese-JectyMP

Conservative

Inquired about UK Government's support for CARICOM's 10-point plan for reparatory justice.

Anneliese DoddsMP

Labour

Re-emphasized the position that the UK does not support reparations payment.

Original Transcript

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Clapham and Brixton Hill

Lab

Question

UIN: 902811

10. Whether he has had recent discussions with his international counterparts on the payment of reparations to people impacted by historic slavery.

The Minister for Development

Anneliese Dodds

12:06

The slave trade was abhorrent. We recognise its horrific impacts and the ongoing strength of feeling, but there have been no such discussions.

As the Foreign Secretary made clear to the Foreign Affairs Committee after the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, “There was no discussion about reparation and money. The Prime Minister and I were absolutely clear that we will not be making cash transfers and payments to the Caribbean”.

We are focused on working with our Caribbean partners to tackle the most pressuring challenges of today and the future, including security, growth and climate change.

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

12:07

Last week saw the 38th ordinary session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the topic of which was “Justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations”.

Caribbean Heads of State were also present, and we know that the Caribbean Community, or CARICOM, has long engaged in discussions on reparative justice. Whether or not we participate in these discussions, they will continue to happen.

Does the Minister accept that the world and its power structures are changing? In our turbulent post-Brexit reality, we need allies and friends, but we will not even say that we are sorry. We would be foolish to think that we are not deeply resented for that.

Is it not better for the UK to engage in these discussions and ensure that we play a constructive role in addressing the enduring legacies of slavery and colonialism?

Anneliese Dodds

12:07

We recognise that this is an issue of enduring concern to many. We listen to views from our Caribbean partners on the full range of bilateral issues, but our policy on reparations is clear: we do not pay them. We are determined to work together for the future.

Ben Obese-Jecty

Huntingdon

Con

12:07

A quick question: to what extent do the Government support CARICOM’s 10-point plan for reparatory justice?

Anneliese Dodds

12:07

As I just stated, our policy on reparations is clear: we do not pay them.

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