By james art The Prime Minister played down the importance of restorative justice on the agenda of the meeting in Samoa, saying climate resilience talks were instead the “absolute priority” on Saturday.
Speaking at a press conference at the end of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm), Sir Keir repeated his description of slavery as “abhorrent” but said Britain’s position on paying for its role was “very, very clear”.
The government has repeatedly ruled out offering reparations or an apology for the UK’s historic involvement in trade.
But the final communique signed by Commonwealth leaders acknowledged calls for discussion on the issue and said they “agree that the time has come for a meaningful, truthful and respectful conversation to build a shared future based on justice”.
The document said: “The Leaders, noting the calls for discussions on reparative justice in relation to the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans and chattel enslavement, and recognizing the importance of this issue to the Member States of the Commonwealth, most of which share a common historical experience in in relation to this abominable trade, chattel enslavement, exhaustion and dispossession of indigenous peoples, treaty, colonialism, blackbirds and their lasting effects, agreed that the time has come for a meaningful, truthful and respectful conversation to build a common future, based on equity.
“Leaders further agreed to continue to play an active role in holding such inclusive conversations to address these harms, paying particular attention to women and girls who have suffered disproportionately from these horrific tragedies in human history.”
Asked if the inclusion of such language in the final agreement showed he had lost the argument and damaged the UK’s relationship with Commonwealth nations in the process, Sir Keir said: “The topic of the day was chosen by the Prime Minister here in Samoa , and she chose sustainability and climate.
“I think that gives you a clear sense of the absolute priority here, and that’s not surprising.”
He added: “I have to be really clear here, in the two days we were here, none of the discussions were about money. Our position is very, very clear on this.