UK Claims Slavery Reparations Can’t Happen’ Amid Cost-Of-Living Crisis

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 difficul...