A "culture of capitulation" within the Labour party risks significant cost to the United Kingdom, a former top diplomat warned. John Jenkins, ex-Foreign Office director for the Middle East and North Africa, suggested that the government's potential apology for Britain's role in the slave trade could be perceived as a "shakedown" by those seeking reparations.
Jenkins argued in a report for the Policy Exchange think-tank that a series of "capitulations" by the British state invites further demands. He cited the handling of the Chagos Islands dispute, the acceptance of a non-binding court ruling on their ownership, and the perceived emboldening of Argentine claims on the Falklands as examples. The former ambassador to Saudi Arabia also pointed to the UK's responses to the IRA, Iran, and Islamist groups as instances where accepting threats and grievances has been detrimental to British interests.
This approach, Jenkins warned, leaves the UK exposed to "increasingly extravagant claims," referencing a UN vote in favor of former colonial powers paying reparations for slavery, with one estimate reaching £18 trillion. He characterized these claims as a "cynical and mercenary shakedown of a guilt-ridden West by professional grievance entrepreneurs," with supporting arguments ranging from "ignorant to the bizarre."
To counter these demands and reassert Britain's global position, Jenkins advised the government to prioritize rebuilding the Armed Forces over relying on "tired mantras about 'soft power.'"
Foreword writer Professor John Bew, a foreign policy advisor to four prime ministers, echoed these concerns, stating that British foreign policy "could do with a stiffening of spine." He advocated for "historical self-reflection rather than historical self-flagellation," warning that a Britain too quick to "buy off adversaries" risks appearing vulnerable and open to exploitation.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham agreed to discussions on the harms caused by the slave trade at a recent Commonwealth meeting in Antigua. While willing to offer a formal apology for the UK's role, Burnham has ruled out direct reparations. However, he did not dismiss other forms of assistance, such as supporting debt repayments for struggling Commonwealth nations, and the UK committed £40 million for Caribbean infrastructure investment. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband indicated that these discussions are expected to conclude within a year.