UK Foreign Secretary Lammy: Slavery Reparations Not Solely About Monetary Payments

David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary, has stated that the notion of reparations for former colonial nations impacted by slavery “is not about the transfer of cash.” Speaking to the BBC, Lammy made these initial remarks after 56 Commonwealth leaders endorsed a statement indicating that discussions on reparations were now appropriate. He conveyed that this was not “the debate people are wanting to have.” The UK government had previously rejected the idea of making reparations for slavery, with Downing Street clarifying that its stance encompassed “other forms of non-financial reparatory justice too.” Lammy indicated that the UK would instead seek to foster relationships with African countries by sharing expertise in skills and science. While on his inaugural visit to Africa as foreign secretary, Lammy reiterated that reparations were not primarily about financial compensation, “particularly at a time of a cost of living crisis.” Reparations are defined as actions taken to atone for historical wrongs or injustices, encompassing a spectrum from monetary payments to symbolic gestures. Caribbean nations have put forth a 10-point plan for reparatory justice, advocating for a comprehensive formal apology, educational initiatives, healthcare provisions, and direct financial compensation. From Lagos, a Nigerian port city historically significant to the transatlantic slave trade, the foreign secretary described that era as “horrific and horrendous,” leaving behind “scars.” He added, “‘I am the descendant of enslaved people, so I recognise that.'” Lammy stated that an apology had been appropriately issued “and we commemorated the abolition of the slave trade” during Labour’s previous tenure in government. While the UK has not issued a formal apology for its involvement in the slave trade, then-Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair remarked in 2007: “Well actually I have said it: We are sorry. And I say it again now.” Both the British government and the monarchy were instrumental in the centuries-long slave trade from 1500, alongside other European countries. Britain also played a crucial role in its cessation, with Parliament enacting a law to abolish slavery in 1833. Lammy’s comments came after reparations were discussed at a Commonwealth leaders’ summit held in Samoa in October. Despite increasing demands from Commonwealth heads of government for reparations concerning the country’s role in the slave trade, Downing Street had maintained that the matter would not be considered. However, Sir Keir Starmer subsequently signed a document advocating for discussions on “reparatory justice” with other Commonwealth leaders, although he noted that financial aspects were not deliberated during the gathering. Lammy expressed his conviction that developing nations would gain from this approach through mechanisms like the transfer of technical skills and scientific expertise from the UK. Lammy’s interview with the BBC occurred at the outset of a journey that includes visits to Nigeria and South Africa, two of Africa’s largest economies. He stated that the UK required “a new approach to Africa” and expressed his intention to initiate a five-month consultation period involving African nations. He observed that significant changes had occurred since the previous Labour government, when the emphasis was “largely on development.” He articulated his hope for increased partnership between the UK and African countries. He remarked, “‘What I’ve heard is that the UK has stepped back somewhat over the last few years.'” He added, “‘There’s much that I think we can do together over the coming months and years.'” When questioned about other African matters, Lammy characterized the conflict in Sudan as of “tremendous concern” and indicated his plan to prioritize it in November, during the UK’s rotational presidency of the United Nations Security Council. He described the fatalities as “unbelievable and outstrips other conflicts around the world,” and intended to highlight the humanitarian crisis and strategies for a “peaceful outcome.” He further noted that it was a “huge concern that Sudan has not commanded the international attention that it requires,” considering the “huge implications” for Africa and globally.