Lammy rules out ‘transfer of cash’ to countries demanding slavery reparations
David Lammy has ruled out the “transfer of cash” to other countries in a row over slavery reparations, arguing it would not be appropriate during a cost of living crisis.
The Foreign Secretary, who has previously urged the UK to consider Caribbean demands for compensation, said the focus on money was overly “simplistic” and not the debate that “people are wanting to have”.
Downing Street has refused to pay reparations for the slave trade, in line with the approach taken by previous Tory administrations.
Ahead of a major Commonwealth summit last month, the Prime Minister was said to be considering non-cash options such as debt relief.
In his first visit to Africa as Foreign Secretary, Mr Lammy branded the focus on money a “simplistic press debate”.
He told the BBC: “It’s not about the transfer of cash, particularly at a time of a cost-of-living crisis around much of the globe, and certainly in the UK.
“That is not the debate I think that people are wanting to have. They’re wanting to think about the future.”
It comes after Caribbean leaders defied Sir Keir by pushing for a plan to consider reparations at the Commonwealth summit in Samoa. The Prime Minister had said the issue should not be on the agenda.
Speaking in Nigeria, where he was due to sign a “strategic partnership” covering economic ties, national security and climate change, Mr Lammy said the UK was pursuing “a fresh approach” that “works productively from Morocco to Madagascar”.
He said: “Our new approach will deliver respectful partnerships that listen rather than tell, deliver long-term growth rather than short-term solutions and build a freer, safer, more prosperous continent.
“I want to hear what our African partners need and foster relationships so that the UK and our friends and partners in Africa can grow together.”
In South Africa, Mr Lammy is set to meet Ronald Lamola, the country’s foreign minister, and agree on the development of a new growth plan.
He added: “Growth is the core mission of this Government and will underpin our relationships in Nigeria, South Africa and beyond.
“This will mean more jobs, more prosperity and more opportunities for Brits and Africans alike.”
What David Lammy has said before on reparations
Before he entered government, Mr Lammy repeatedly called for the UK to open a dialogue on reparations.
Last month, one Caribbean leader said he should have a free hand on the issue of British compensation, estimated to be worth anything from £206 billion to £19 trillion.
Speaking in a Commons debate on June 14 2018, Mr Lammy, the son of Guyanese parents who is the Labour MP for Tottenham, said:
It followed a May 2018 tweet in which he declared:
His calls continued on the frontbench. As shadow justice secretary under Sir Keir Starmer, he told the Boston radio station WBUR-FM in 2020:
But in Nigeria this month, Mr Lammy doubled down on the Government’s refusal to make a financial offer, saying: