Despite mounting pressure from Caribbean nations, the British government has reiterated its refusal to apologize for its role in the transatlantic slave trade or consider paying reparations.
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that the issue will not be on the agenda of the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Samoa.
While acknowledging the historical wrongs of the British Empire, the government insists its focus is on addressing "today's pressing challenges" and fostering economic growth within the Commonwealth.
In a 2022 study, the US-based Brattle Group estimated that the UK alone should pay at least $24 trillion in reparations, with Jamaica deserving $9.6 trillion of that sum.
In addition, while Prince Charles, now king, acknowledged the "error" of the British Empire's colonial policies at the 2022 Commonwealth summit in Rwanda, he stopped short of a direct apology, reflecting Buckingham Palace's desire to avoid discussions on potential reparations.