Although the transatlantic slave trade was “abhorrent,” the prime minister stated that he thinks the nations impacted by it would prefer that the UK assist them with modern issues like the effects of climate change.
Sir Keir told reporters on the plane to Samoa, where he will be attending the Commonwealth heads of government meeting (Chogm), that “I believe we should be going forward when it comes to the question of which way we’re facing.
“I’ve spoken with many of our Commonwealth colleagues around the Commonwealth family, and they are currently dealing with serious issues like the environment.
And in every discussion I’ve had with them, their main concern is if we can assist them in collaborating with global organizations and financial institutions on the kinds of packages they require at this time in light of the difficulties they are currently facing.
Caribbean leaders have been putting more and more pressure on the UK to think about making amends for the effects of the transatlantic slave trade.
Some Labour backbenchers have also echoed the appeal. Bell Ribeiro-Addy, the Member of Parliament for Clapham and Brixton Hill, has stated that the UK has a “moral and legal duty to address the injustices of the past.”
