Two-thirds of Britons are against paying reparations for the slave trade, a recent YouGov poll indicates, though a slim majority would support a formal apology. The research highlights widespread opposition to financial compensation across political divides.
Fifty-two percent of Britons favor a formal apology, with 25 percent strongly supporting the idea, while 37 percent are against it. This sentiment is particularly strong among ethnic minorities, with 71 percent backing an apology compared to 49 percent of white Britons. However, support for reparations remains low, with only 17 percent of white Britons in favor, and 43 percent among ethnic minorities.
Political Discussion and Official Stance
The debate over reparations and apologies has been amplified by recent discussions at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, has proposed a "structured dialogue" that could include debt write-offs or downgrades, rather than direct cash payments. The British government is also considering funding health, education, and green energy projects in Commonwealth states, though these are currently proposed to come from existing aid budgets.
King Charles III, in his keynote speech at CHOGM, acknowledged the transatlantic slave trade as a "shameful chapter" that "casts a shadow," expressing personal sorrow but pointedly avoiding any suggestion of an apology. He stated, "we cannot change the past."
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has indicated that the government is "open to an apology" but stressed that Britain will not shift its position on reparations, assuring that the new approach would not cost UK taxpayers "a penny more." He suggested that the focus should be on cooperative efforts rather than direct financial compensation, aiming to move past historical grievances.
Shifting Political Views
The YouGov research, conducted on November 1 and 2, also revealed differing views among political party supporters. While large majorities of Conservative and Reform UK voters oppose reparations, support for a formal apology reached 68 percent among Labour's 2024 voters.
John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana, noted a "shift in some strong positions" by the UK government, indicating a greater openness to interaction. He views the current dialogue as a "first step" towards putting the issues of the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism behind.
The British government has allocated £40 million over three years for critical infrastructure investments, including green energy in the Caribbean, as part of its engagement with Commonwealth nations.