Commonwealth leaders are set to defy Keir Starmer and agree plans to discuss reparations for the slave trade at a major summit.
As the PM jetted into a meeting of 56 countries in Samoa, No10 attempted to shut down talks on the issue and insisted it would not be on the agenda. But Frederick Mitchell, the minister of foreign affairs in the Bahamas, said that a "discussion needs to be had about the history" around reparations.
He told the BBC Caricom countries - a community of 15 member states and six associate members across the Americas and the Caribbean - "want the conversation to start about it".
He added: "Many of the institutions in the UK have already conceded the point of apology, the British government isn't quite there. But at this time, the discussion needs to be had about the history of this and the ill effects of what happened after slavery was abolished, which continue to affect our societies today."
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It was also reported on Thursday officials of Commonwealth nations are looking at an agreement that could begin conversations on the issue through a communique.
All 56 countries must agree to the wording of the joint statement, which will be put out on Saturday at the end of the summit. The UK is resisting calls for reference to reparations but the government is understood to be open minded to exploring support for tackling climate change and boosting trade.
A formal apology for Britain’s role in the slave trade is not believed to be on the table. Mr Starmer on Thursday evening refused to be drawn on whether the UK would pay reparations. Speaking to broadcasters in Apia, Samoa, he said: “I think our generation can say the slave trade and practice was abhorrent, and we should, you know, we talk about our history. We can’t change our history, but we should certainly talk about our history.”
Pressed on whether the UK would apologise or pay reparations, he said: “I think that we recognise that, and of course, an apology has already been made in relation to the slave trade, and that's not surprising, it’s what we would expect.
“But if you then go on to the question, you know, we’re 55 countries here represented, and say, the conversations I've already had, some of the things that have come up most, I can tell you, their resilience — there are real concerns, particularly with some of the smaller countries, about the impact of climate on them, and how we can help with international institutions, financial institutions, to unlock money that might help them, in relation to facing up to that challenge.
“That isn't our money, it's unlocking international money, but also this question of trade. There's a huge trade potential here, almost every country here wants more trade, there's already a huge advantage for Commonwealth countries. I want to drive that further.”