Petition Pay Slavery Reparations to all Caribbean & African Descendants

Government responded

This response was given on 4 August 2020

The UK deplores the human suffering caused by slavery and the slave trade. They are among the most abhorrent chapters in the history of humanity.

While reparations are not part of the Government’s approach, we feel deep sorrow for the transatlantic slave trade, and fully recognise the strong sense of injustice and the legacy of slavery in the most affected parts of the world. We also believe that we have much to do today and in the future to address the reality of slavery in the UK and around the world.

The Government is committed to ensuring that slavery has no place in today’s world and that future generations do not forget what happened. The UK co-sponsored the UN resolution, initiated by Caribbean countries, to designate 25 March as an annual international day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

On 14 June 2020, the Prime Minister pledged to establish a new Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities. This cross-government commission will examine all aspects of continuing racial and ethnic inequalities in Britain. The Commission aims to set out a new, positive agenda for change; balancing the needs of individuals, communities and society, maximising opportunities and ensuring fairness for all. The Commission will report by the end of the year.

Modern forms of slavery continue in our world and the UK plays a leading role in tackling them. Since 2014 and our first Modern Slavery Strategy, we have also played a leading role in ensuring awareness of, and action against, the continued reality of slavery in today’s world. We have put in place world-leading measures to address the risks and realities of slavery in global supply chains, including a requirement for businesses with over £36m turnover to comply with Transparency in Supply Chains legislation (TISC). As a result of this landmark legislation, many companies are taking concrete action to address the risks of modern slavery and improve the lives of vulnerable workers in their operations and global supply chains.

Last, we work directly through international organisations and with our partners around the world to recognise and address these challenges. The 2017 global Call to Action to End Forced Labour, Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking by 2030 now has over 85 endorsements and significant steps have been taken to step up global efforts against modern slavery.

Our efforts are supported by a £200 million UK Aid commitment, which is helping to catch offenders, support victims and prevent people falling into exploitation.

HM Treasury