Oh, how we pine for a Prime Minister with a spine! Keir Starmer, once again, has rolled over and offered our nation up for yet another round of historical flogging – this time on the subject of slavery reparations.
It’s all well and good to acknowledge the darker parts of history, yes. But at some point, someone has to stand up and remind the world that Britain led the charge to end this abhorrent trade.
And yet here we are, our Prime Minister wriggling on the hook, forced into discussing reparations that, frankly, don’t belong on the table. Where is his backbone?
The irony, of course, is not lost on anyone with half an eye on British politics. Much of this embarrassing debacle stems from none other than Home Secretary David Lammy, who’s made a career out of igniting contentious issues. Lammy, with his blustering rhetoric, is always happy to poke the bear but nowhere to be found when the fallout rains down. Then Starmer, weak as a kitten, can never stand firm on his policies without bending to the whim of every wind. It’s hard to imagine a Prime Minister more easily cornered, more swiftly bulldozed into concessions he never intended to make.
Instead of waving the white flag, why not remind the world of Britain’s world-leading role in abolishing the vile practice? Why not mention that, in 1833, Britain courageously devoted a staggering 40% of its national budget to buy the freedom of slaves? Or that Britain then took the abolitionist mantle a step further by funding the West Africa Squadron, a Royal Navy task force that patrolled the seas to stamp out the slave trade – at the cost of 1,600 British sailors who perished in the line of duty. This wasn’t merely a law passed in some parliament; it was a fierce, unyielding commitment to right a global wrong. That same squadron liberated over 150,000 slaves, intercepting more than 1,600 ships involved in the trade.
Why not mention that, in 1833, Britain courageously devoted a staggering 40% of its national budget to buy the freedom of slaves?
And yet, in Samoa, Starmer stood by as Commonwealth leaders put reparations front and centre. They issued a communique – which Starmer could not counter – that paints Britain as some morally bankrupt entity, yet again in need of self-flagellation and monetary “justice.” Even in the face of repeated assurances from No. 10 that reparations weren’t on the agenda, Starmer allowed the matter to snowball. And his half-hearted assurances that this wouldn’t mean money changing hands only reveal how far out of his depth he is in dealing with real diplomacy.
Jack Straw, no less, had to step in and put things bluntly: reparations are not just improbable; they’re unrealistic. Britain cannot be handing out cash for policies that existed over two centuries ago. Imagine the absurdity of setting a precedent where we, the descendants, are forever financially liable for the sins of long-dead forebears. Straw rightly pointed out that these foreign leaders ought to temper the expectations of their populations because the money, quite simply, isn’t coming. But that’s logic talking – something in short supply within Starmer’s circle.
Even the King managed to be more astute, noting in his address that while we cannot change the past, we can address modern inequalities. This is where Britain’s focus should be – on today’s challenges, not on digging up ghosts. Starmer, meanwhile, couldn’t even convincingly argue this point, choosing instead to nod along to whatever agenda was shoved his way.
So, where is our Prime Minister’s resolve? Instead of cowering at the mention of “reparatory justice,” why doesn’t he remind the Commonwealth that Britain’s contribution to the abolition of slavery wasn’t just symbolic but cost countless lives and a good share of our economy? We led the world on abolition, even while other nations continued in silence. Yet, somehow, Keir Starmer has allowed himself to be trapped into playing apologist-in-chief.
We need a leader who will proudly stand up for Britain’s legacy and remind the world of the immense sacrifices our country made. Reparations are not owed. Respect, however, is. And that starts with a Prime Minister who doesn’t buckle at the first hint of controversy.
Instead of sheepishly agreeing to “talks” on reparations, Starmer should be resolutely defending our history. Britain was a leader in the fight to end slavery, and we don’t need to be browbeaten by revisionist histories that ignore our pivotal role.
Claire Bullivant, Editor
Claire is the founder and editor of the Conservative Post and was a co-founder of the Conservative Democratic Organisation. Claire is now setting up www.GreatBritishPAC.com. Pre-register today.
