The King has told world leaders the past cannot be changed but nations can “commit” to “right inequalities that endure,” as momentum grew for a debate about slavery reparations.
Charles used his first speech to the Commonwealth’s biennial summit in Samoa as head of the family of nations, to stress how the relationship between member states meant “we can discuss the most challenging issues with openness and respect.”
The gathering of presidents and prime ministers for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) could see member states begin a “meaningful conversation” about the issue of reparations for slavery, according to reports.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer ahead of the opening speech by King Charles III at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Apia, Samoa.
The King said in his landmark speech: “As we look around the world and consider its many deeply concerning challenges, let us choose within our Commonwealth family the language of community and respect, and reject the language of division.
“None of us can change the past. But we can commit, with all our hearts to learning its lessons and to finding creative ways to right inequalities that endure.”
In an interview with the BBC, Chancellor Rachel Reeves reiterated the government’s view about reparations: “We’re not going to be paying out the reparations that some countries are speaking about.
“I understand why they make those demands but that’s not something that this government is doing.”
World leaders will elect the new Commonwealth secretary-general to replace Baroness Scotland during their meeting and all three candidates vying for the job have called for reparations to countries that were affected by slavery and colonialism.
King Charles III at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Apia, Samoa
Ahead of the summit in Samoa, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman insisted Sir Keir Starmer would not be discussing reparations when he attends Chogm.
But officials of Commonwealth nations are looking at an agreement that could begin conversations on the issue through a communique, according to the BBC.
Charles told the gathered world leaders: “Together, we represent a third of humanity, with all the splendidly diverse complexity that this entails. And yet we know and understand each other, such that we can discuss the most challenging issues with openness and respect.
“At a time of heightened global tensions, of horrifying conflict and challenges of the greatest magnitude, it seems to me that these connections between us are more precious than ever.
“Together we are wiser, stronger and more able to respond to the demands of our time.”