Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Historic Slavery: Reparations

Tuesday 25 February 2025 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial policy on reparations for historic slavery is clear: the UK does not pay reparations.
  • The 38th ordinary session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government focused on justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations.
  • Caribbean Heads of State were present at the session discussing reparations and related issues.

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Bell Ribeiro-Addy Lab Clapham and Brixton Hill
Context

The African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government had its 38th ordinary session focusing on 'Justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations'. Caribbean Heads of State were also present, highlighting the ongoing discussions within CARICOM on reparative justice.

Question

Last week saw the 38th ordinary session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government, with a focus on 'Justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations'. Caribbean Heads of State were also present. Does the Minister accept that the world and its power structures are changing? In our turbulent post-Brexit reality, we need allies and friends, but we will not even say that we are sorry. We would be foolish to think that we are not deeply resented for that. Is it not better for the UK to engage in these discussions and ensure that we play a constructive role in addressing the enduring legacies of slavery and colonialism?

Answer from The Minister for Development (Anneliese Dodds)

We recognise that this is an issue of enduring concern to many. We listen to views from our Caribbean partners on the full range of bilateral issues, but our policy on reparations is clear: we do not pay them. We are determined to work together for the future.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request about engaging in reparations discussions was avoided.

How: We Listen To Views, Determined To Work Together

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Q2 Ben Obese-Jecty Con Huntingdon
Context

CARICOM has been actively engaged in discussions on reparative justice, including a 10-point plan for reparatory justice.

Question

To what extent do the Government support CARICOM’s 10-point plan for reparatory justice?

Answer from The Minister for Development (Anneliese Dodds)

As I just stated, our policy on reparations is clear: we do not pay them.

Not addressed: The specific request about supporting CARICOM’s 10-point plan was avoided.

How: Our Policy On Reparations

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