The United Kingdom has announced that it will not issue an apology for its historical role in the transatlantic slave trade during the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa.
This decision comes despite mounting pressure from Caribbean nations and some Labour lawmakers who have called for a formal acknowledgment and reparations.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office confirmed that the UK government remains opposed to both apologizing and discussing reparations at the summit.
A Downing Street spokesperson stated, "Reparation's not on the agenda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.
The government's position on this has not changed; we do not pay reparations."
The summit, which is set to take place this week, will focus on shared challenges and opportunities within the Commonwealth, such as driving economic growth.
The UK government emphasized that while they will continue to engage with partners on various issues, the topic of slavery reparations will not be part of the discussions.
"The position on apology remains the same; we won't be offering an apology at CHOGM," the spokesperson reiterated.
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