The Repair Campaign response to Prime Minister Burnham’s reparations comments
The Repair Campaign has tonight (30.10.26) repeated its call for the British Government to make a full apology as a “significant and symbolic first step” towards reparatory justice, and said any dialogue on reparations must lead to real economic growth for the region.
Responding to comments by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Denis O’Brien, founder of The Repair Campaign, said: “The British Government must stop obfuscating and give a full and formal apology now. This would be a significant and symbolic first step towards reparatory justice. Tonight’s statement from the Prime Minister was disappointing, and will not quell the demand for an apology from the 15 CARICOM countries in advance of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua next week.”
Mr. O’Brien also said there must be meaningful investment by Britain in the Caribbean, and financial reparatory justice, rather than a focus on debt restructuring, which only lengthens the tenure of debt instead of cancelling debt outright.
“Debt extension is not going to undo centuries of exploitation and underdevelopment in the region,” he said. “It is essential that any future dialogue with Caribbean nations looks at how the UK will support their economic growth and development. Alongside unjust debt burdens, other legacies of slavery must be addressed, including poor health and educational outcomes, systemic racism, and a climate crisis those most impacted did little to create.
“The UK can’t keep saying no to financial support when you have underdeveloped countries that are a direct legacy of colonialism and slavery. Meanwhile, Britain and other European colonial powers built their wealth on the labour of enslaved Africans during this period. The talks the Prime Minister has now committed to must, ultimately, lead to a long-term plan that will ensure Caribbean nations can finally fulfil their economic potential.
“The future benefits for Britain of a strengthened relationship with this region – and of real economic and social development in the Caribbean – are immense.”
