UK leaders arrive in Antigua amid slavery reparations push

Prime Minister Andy Burnham arrived in Antigua and Barbuda to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government summit. The meeting begins on Sunday, marking the 45th anniversary of the nation’s independence from British rule. Burnham’s visit follows his announcement on Friday to enter structured dialogue on slavery reparations and consider a formal apology. This move marks the first time a British prime minister has formally agreed to such discussions.

Ralph Gonsalves, a former prime minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, said the UK initially resisted the inclusion of reparations on the official agenda. He noted that British and Canadian officials warned that Burnham might not attend if the topic was formally listed. The official agenda for the 56-nation bloc currently lists trade, climate resilience, and finance as priorities. Gonsalves stated that the UK came to the conversation reluctantly despite the pressure from Caribbean nations and global movements.

The shift in British policy occurred after a resolution at the UN General Assembly in March 2026. Gonsalves claimed that British officials circulated false information suggesting India opposed the agenda item. He noted that India had supported the UN resolution. He described the current situation as a result of sustained campaigns in the Caribbean, Africa, and within the British parliament. He added that the issue can no longer be avoided in political discussions at the Commonwealth level.

Leaders are expected to discuss the format of the structured dialogue during private retreats. Gonsalves said the actual dialogue is unlikely to conclude at this summit. Instead, the leaders will likely define the details of the process. He noted that the British government is engaging with the topic despite its initial resistance. He expressed satisfaction that the UK is participating in the structured conversation.

Prof Sir Hilary Beckles, chair of the Caribbean Community Reparations Commission, labeled the meeting as a central forum for reparations. He identified reparatory justice as the top priority for Caribbean nations. Guyana’s president, Irfaan Ali, welcomed the British statement and proposed a subcommittee to work on the details over the next six to 12 months. Ali urged the talks to focus on developmental consequences rather than just financial compensation. He suggested the UK work with affected countries to address gaps in health, education, and infrastructure.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley thanked Burnham for the progress but noted that the two sides still hold different views. She listed an apology, investment in health and education, and fairer debt terms as areas where agreement is possible. She stated that the differences would be stated plainly and respectfully. The Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis emphasized that the talks address enduring consequences of slavery and the need for meaningful redress.

King Charles is attending the summit but has indicated he will not follow Burnham’s lead in offering a full apology. Kemi Badenoch told broadcasters on Sunday that an apology would be a navel-gazing distraction. She described slavery as an evil in which people from every continent participated. Gonsalves responded by saying he wanted to explain the concept of reparatory justice to Badenoch. He said the issue helps heal fractures arising from Britain’s multicultural tensions.

Protests are expected as King Charles and Burnham travel through St John’s. Demonstrators plan to use billboards, placards, and a candlelight vigil to demand an apology and reparations. The vigil honors the thousands of Africans trafficked to Antigua and Barbuda during the transatlantic slave trade. The British government has not issued immediate comment on the developments leading up to the summit.