Britain’s King Charles has said the Commonwealth should acknowledge its “painful” history but added that the past could not be changed.
“I understand from listening to people across the Commonwealth how the most painful aspects of our past continue to resonate,” King Charles, who did not directly address slavery, said at Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa on October 25. “It is vital, therefore, that we understand our history, to guide us towards making the right choices in future,” he said as African and Caribbean nations continue to advocate for reparations for the country’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, according to Reuters.
Queen’s commitment
In his speech, the King said, “The Commonwealth mattered a great deal to my dear mother, the late Queen. Her commitment to you all, as that of my grandfather, King George VI, before her, is one which has helped to shape my own life for as long as I can remember.”
He further said, “Since my first visit to Malta, aged just five in 1954, I have travelled to almost every corner of the Commonwealth. I have met remarkable people in every conceivable walk of life, and learned a great deal from so many proud cultures and traditions.: Fifty-six countries, most with roots in Britain’s empire, are attending the CHOGM that began on October21.
Meaningful conversation
A number of Commonwealth heads of Government want to start a “meaningful conversation” about whether the UK should pay reparations for its role in the slave trade, according to BBC quoting diplomatic sources.
The demand for Britain to pay reparations or make other amends for transatlantic slavery is a longstanding one, but has recently gained momentum worldwide, particularly among the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the African Union, Reuters added.
Opponents of reparations payments say countries should not be held responsible for historical wrongs, while those in favour say the legacy of slavery has led to vast and persistent racial inequality today.
Can’t change history:Starmer
The UK “can’t change our history”, Prime Minister KeirStarmer told BBC when asked about paying reparations to countries impacted by the transatlantic slave trade. Sir Keir, who is currently in Samoa for a meeting of Commonwealth countries, said the trade was “abhorrent” and that it was important to “talk about our history”.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has also ruled out making payments, saying “that’s not something that this government is doing.”
