King Charles and Keir Starmer might have to pay $261 billion in slave trade reparations

King Charles III and prime minister Keir Starmer are set to face demands for reparations totalling an astonishing $261 billion for the United Kingdom’s historical involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. The issue is expected to surface at the upcoming Commonwealth summit later this month, where leaders from 56 nations will gather. These demands come in the wake of comments made by Barbados prime minister Mia Mottley, who has been a vocal advocate for reparations, calling for them to be part of a “global reset.” Speaking at the United Nations, Mottley highlighted the importance of addressing the legacies of slavery and colonialism in shaping modern global relations.Reparations estimates range from $261 billion to as much as $24 trillion.UN Judge Patrick Robinson has emphasised the moral responsibility of governments to offer reparations for historical injustices, further strengthening calls for financial compensation. Earlier this month, Mottley met with King Charles in London to discuss the issue ahead of the Commonwealth meeting. While Buckingham Palace has not disclosed the details of their discussion, Mottley praised the king’s openness, stating that he acknowledged the importance of addressing Britain’s role in the slave trade, calling it “a conversation whose time has come.”King Charles has reportedly...