British Broadcasting CorporationPrime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told the BBC that the UK “cannot change our history” when asked about paying compensation to countries affected by the transatlantic slave trade.
His comments came after diplomatic sources told the BBC that Commonwealth heads of government wanted to have a “meaningful conversation” on an issue that could mean Britain paying billions of pounds for its historic role in trade .
Sir Keir, who is currently in Samoa for a Commonwealth meeting, said the trade was “abhorrent” and it was important “to talk about our history”.
Earlier on Thursday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves ruled out payments in an interview, saying “that’s not what this government is doing.”
However, he added that the focus should be on “today’s challenges”, including resilience to climate change and promoting trade between Commonwealth countries.
He added that he wanted to help member states work with international financial institutions to “free up funds that might help them” on climate change.
Leaders from 56 countries will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa on Friday and Saturday.
Commonwealth leaders are expected to defy Britain and debate how to ensure reparations for historical slavery. At its peak, Britain was the largest slave trading nation in the world. Downing Street has put the issue on the summit agenda.
Reparative justice for slavery can take many forms, including financial reparations, debt relief, official apologies, educational programs, the creation of museums, financial support, and public health assistance.
In the run-up to the summit, calls from Commonwealth leaders for Britain to apologize and make reparations grew louder.
The summit will be officially opened by King Charles, who is expected to pay tribute to his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, and her ties to the Commonwealth in his opening address.
He also said the Commonwealth’s size and diversity allowed it to “discuss the most challenging issues in an open and respectful manner”.
A new Commonwealth Secretary-General will be elected during the meeting. All three candidates – Shirley Botchwe of Ghana, Joshua Setipa of Lesotho and Mamadou Tangara of The Gambia – support reparative justice.
Bahamas Foreign Minister Frederic Mitchell told BBC Radio 4’s Today program that he believed the UK would change its position, saying: “It may take a while for people to change their position, but they will. Change position.
In an interview with the BBC, Sir Keir was also asked about complaints against Donald Trump’s team Submitted Opposition Labor Party objected to its staff and activists volunteering for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign.
“I think the truth of the matter needs to be seen,” the Prime Minister said. He added: “This was some Labor Party members and staff campaigning in their spare time.
“It happens in every election in different parts of the world. All political parties do it… I think it needs to be looked at in the right perspective.”
Sir Keir added that he and Trump both wanted to have a “good working relationship” and the pair recently had dinner together.
He dismissed suggestions that his party was still adjusting to governing, saying he was “absolutely clear” on his “primary mission” for economic growth.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves will set out the government’s tax and spending plans in the budget next Wednesday.
Before this Levi’s tell the bbc She would change the government’s self-imposed debt rules to free up money for infrastructure spending.
Asked about the Budget, Sir Keir said the economy had barely grown under the Conservatives and he wanted to “clear the way” and “clean up the mess”.
“I believe in running towards the problem. If you know what the problem is, what the challenge is, and every business knows this and every family knows this, then run towards it and solve it.”
Conservatives challenge Labour’s argument that they created A black hole worth £22bn and questioned the chancellor’s decision to change debt rules.
Gareth Davies, the party’s shadow finance secretary, said: “Uncertainty about additional borrowing could result in interest rates remaining at higher levels for longer.
“It’s families across the country who are paying the price.”
