Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Financial Security and Reducing Inequality in the Caribbean: Government Role

08 March 2023 · 7 other contributors · 11,980 words

Opened by Clive Lewis Lab Norwich South

Responding minister: David Rutley

EconomyClimateForeign Affairs

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Clive Lewis raised concerns about financial security and reducing inequality in the caribbean: government role in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The speaker expressed concern over historical exploitation of the Caribbean by Britain, including slavery and colonialism, and its ongoing effects on the region's development and social issues.
  • The speaker urged the UK Government to engage in reparative negotiations with Caribbean nations and to commit to a multibillion-pound investment programme over 25 years to support areas such as education and infrastructure.
  • The Minister acknowledged the importance of addressing shared challenges like climate change with Caribbean countries and noted current financial commitments of around 35 million annually for climate-resilient infrastructure.

Key requests to Government

The speaker urges the Government to enter meaningful negotiations with Caribbean nations to make appropriate reparations for colonialism and slavery. He calls for a significant investment programme of multibillion pounds over 25 years, similar to EU structural funds, aimed at education, physical infrastructure, science, and technology in the Caribbean.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Clive Lewis Lab Norwich South

The speaker is concerned about the historical exploitation of the Caribbean by Britain through colonialism and slavery, citing a need for reparatory justice. He mentions that this history includes systematic underdevelopment of Caribbean economies, mass genocide of African slaves with an average lifespan of five to ten years in the region, and the continued impact on present-day societies with poverty, racism, inequality, and debt. The speaker also notes the Windrush scandal's negative effect on British-Caribbean relations.

Other contributors (7)
  • Cherilyn Mackrory Con South Swindon

    Colourful.

  • Daniel Kawczynski Con Shrewsbury and Atcham

    Suggests that tariff-free access to the UK market is more beneficial for Caribbean states than reparations, advocating for a fairer immigration policy treating all citizens equally based on skillset rather than origin. Highlighted the importance of the British-Caribbean diaspora to the UK, urging cross-party collaboration. Criticised the lack of MPs attending the debate despite the Caribbean's significance. Emphasised strengthening economic ties with Commonwealth nations post-Brexit, focusing on challenging US dominance in the region and promoting British investment opportunities through UK Export Finance. Raised concerns about Chinese influence in infrastructure projects within the Caribbean. Does the hon. Gentleman, on behalf of the SNP, agree that irrespective of what the aid budget is today, a greater percentage of it ought to be going to Caribbean nations?

  • Dawn Butler Lab Brent East

    Supports the argument for reparations as an acknowledgment of historical violence and discrimination against Caribbean countries, highlighting current injustices such as debt and stolen artefacts.

  • Fabian Hamilton Lab Leeds North East

    Emphasised the importance of UK's relationship with Caribbean countries, highlighting issues such as financial instability caused by dirty money flows and climate change. Raised concerns about Haiti's political instability, gang violence, and cholera outbreak. Called for increased support from the UN to tackle criminal activities in Haiti.

  • Nadia Whittome Lab Nottingham East

    I thank my hon. Friend for securing this important debate, suggesting that former colonial powers should pay reparations to the descendants of enslaved people due to historical exploitation and current climate impacts.

  • Patrick Grady SNP Glasgow North West

    Highlights the diverse heritage of his constituency and the challenges faced by Caribbean countries due to historical inequalities. Discusses the need for transparency in financial practices, addressing aid cuts, and tackling climate change impacts. Emphasises the importance of recognising colonial legacies and taking reparative actions, such as apologies from local authorities and universities.

  • Tania Mathias Con Brecon and Radnorshire

    She thanked the lead MP for his speech and agreed that the issue of reparations should be addressed by making arguments for why it should happen rather than just dismissing it. She also mentioned the need to invest in Caribbean economies to take advantage of tariff-free access to UK markets.

Government Response

David Rutley

It is a pleasure to serve with the Chair, Mr Davies. The Minister for the Commonwealth, South East Asia and Indo-Pacific congratulates the hon. Member for Norwich South on securing this debate. He acknowledges the importance of addressing shared challenges such as climate change and gender inequality in partnership with Caribbean countries. Around £35 million annually is devoted to building climate-resilient infrastructure, and there are two dedicated programme funds totalling £76 million for small island developing states (SIDS). The Minister highlights initiatives like the Bridgetown initiative aimed at reforming international financial institutions and shaping climate finance expansion through multilateral development banks. He also mentions the UK's role in Haiti, contributing over £20 million annually to development efforts. Concerning historical issues, such as slavery, he acknowledges its cruelty and expresses regret for Britain's past role while emphasizing current initiatives addressing contemporary challenges like climate change.

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