David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary, is on a visit to Nigeria and South Africa this week. He’s there to strengthen the UK’s trade relations with African countries and to talk about the past mistakes of British involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. Just a week ago, leaders from 56 Commonwealth countries signed a document calling for discussions about reparations for slavery, making this a very timely visit.
In Lagos, Nigeria, Lammy called the transatlantic slave trade “horrific and horrendous,” emphasizing that it left deep scars on many communities. As a descendant of enslaved people himself, Lammy personally understands the pain caused by slavery. His roots trace back to Guyana, where many Africans and Indians were brought as slaves and indentured servants.
During an interview with the BBC, Lammy stated that while reparations are necessary, they should not come in the form of cash payments, especially with the rising cost of living in the UK making things difficult for many people. Instead, he suggested that African nations could benefit from the transfer of British scientific and technical knowledge. This could help create better trade relations and provide support without directly handing out money.
However, not everyone agrees with Lammy’s approach. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has previously ruled out any form of cash payments for reparations. A spokesperson for Starmer made it clear last month, saying, “We do not pay reparations.” This was in response to reports that Caribbean nations were asking for £200 billion (about $261 billion) in compensation for the suffering caused by the slave trade.
Despite this, the Commonwealth meeting in Samoa saw 56 member states come together to declare slavery a “crime against humanity.” They called for meaningful discussions about reparations. This was a significant step in recognizing the historical impact of slavery and the need for justice.
Britain has a long history with the slave trade, beginning in 1562 and becoming the world’s largest slave trafficker by the 1730s. The UK banned the slave trade in 1807 and abolished slavery in its colonies in 1833. Now, some experts believe the UK owes the Caribbean countries around £205 billion (nearly $266 billion) in reparations. Others suggest it could be as much as £19 trillion ($24 trillion) when considering the full impact of slavery over three centuries.
As this is Lammy’s first trip to Africa as Foreign Secretary, he hopes to start a five-month consultation process. He wants to ensure that African voices are heard and included in discussions about the future of UK-African relations, focusing on their diverse needs and ambitions.
This visit is not just about looking back at the past; it’s also about finding ways to move forward together, even amidst the complex challenges both the UK and African nations face today.
