The United Kingdom's government has reiterated its stance against reparations for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, following a petition from Jamaica directed at King Charles III. Prime Minister Andy Burnham's spokesperson stated on Monday that "the UK does not and will not pay reparations."
Successive British governments have declined to engage in discussions regarding slavery reparations, despite acknowledging the significant benefits the country gained from the trade. UK leaders have recognized the atrocities of slavery but have not issued a formal apology for Britain's involvement.
Burnham's spokesperson described the practice of slavery as "abhorrent," yet maintained that no compensation will be provided. A Jamaican delegation, led by Culture Minister Olivia Grange, delivered a petition to Buckingham Palace on Monday, requesting that King Charles seek legal advice from the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London.
The petition includes three inquiries for the king: whether the enslavement of Africans in Jamaica was legal under English law, whether it violated international law, and whether the UK has a legal obligation to compensate for the harms caused by slavery. The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council serves as the final court of appeal for Jamaica and other Commonwealth nations.
The Jamaican delegation is requesting $10 billion in reparations, marking a notable attempt by a Commonwealth country to pursue this legal avenue. King Charles was not present at the palace during the petition's delivery, as he is currently in Scotland.
Graham Smith, CEO of the anti-monarchy group Republic, criticized the king's absence, stating, "Once again Charles ducks for cover when the issue of slavery and empire is raised." Minister Grange is also advocating for the return of Caribbean artifacts held in British museums. Despite the government's position on reparations, Grange expressed to Reuters that she felt "encouraged" by the petition's delivery.
In a related development, a United Nations committee recently concluded that nations have a legal obligation to consider reparations for slavery, emphasizing that addressing racial discrimination requires a commitment to review and rectify the ongoing harms stemming from the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialized slavery.