Prior to the summit, Downing Street made it clear that reparations would not be discussed.
Nonetheless, it is anticipated that a number of Commonwealth leaders, especially those from Caribbean nations, will defy the UK and engage in talks about how to obtain reparatory justice.
Reparatory justice can take several forms in addition to monetary compensation, such as debt forgiveness, an official apology, educational initiatives, museum construction, financial support, and public health aid.
The heads of government reportedly highlighted “calls for discussions on reparatory justice with regard to the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans and chattel enslavement” and “agreed” in the summit communique draft that was provided to the news.
Although preparations for a completely distinct proclamation on reparatory justice were successfully thwarted, British authorities currently have to accept that the final communique will have some material on the topic.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that slavery was “abhorrent” and that it was crucial to “talk about our history” when questioned on the subject by the news.
He did, however, add that he wanted the summit to concentrate on “today’s challenges,” like combating climate change and promoting Commonwealth commerce.
