Friday briefing: The Commonwealth summit that could put reparations ‘on the table’

Good morning. Delegates from 56 countries convened at the Commonwealth heads of government meeting (Chogm) in Samoa this week. The biennial event has been dominated by the issue of reparations, with Caribbean leaders drawing up an agreement that would demand billions from the UK. That is not something the UK government is keen on. Keir Starmer fought, unsuccessfully, to keep reparations off the agenda of this summit, though he has accepted that the issue is likely to be mentioned in the communique that will be published at its conclusion. And following in the footsteps of previous governments, Downing Street also ruled out a symbolic apology for slavery. Representatives of various Caribbean countries have continued to push for a “frank” conversations about transatlantic slavery and the “horrendous impact” it had on the African diaspora. The prime minister does appear moved by the pressure, as he pivoted slightly, saying that he is “open to discussing non-cash forms of reparatory justice for slavery”. For today’s newsletter I spoke with the Guardian’s Caribbean correspondent, Natricia Duncan, about the case being made for reparations. That’s right after the headlines. Five big stories US election | Donald Trump said on Thursday he would order the immediate...