According to the BBC, the communiqué stated that “meaningful talks” on reparations for the transatlantic slave trade would also be on the cards.
This contradicted Mr Starmer’s earlier claims that discussions on reparations would not be on the agenda.
“On the question of how we are going to face it, I think we have to move forward,” he told reporters ahead of the summit that started on Monday.
“I’ve talked to Commonwealth friends in the Commonwealth family and they’re facing real climate challenges here and now.”
Contrary to Mr Starmer’s claims, some Commonwealth countries hope now is the time to deal with reparations – which could be costly for the UK.
The draft communique said: “The chiefs, note the call for a discussion on reparatory justice regarding the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans and chattel slavery … .”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer attends a welcome reception for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa
PA cable
Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis said: “This is not just an apology. It’s not about money. It’s about appreciation and understanding of what our ancestors went through.
It is estimated that more than 12 million people were transported to the Americas between the 16th and 19th centuries. Nations affected by transatlantic slavery have been demanding reparations ever since.
A study published last year showed that the UK owes an estimated £18.8 trillion for its role in transatlantic slavery.
So, are there any countries paying compensation?
Which country apologized for its role in the slave trade?
Calls for an apology and compensation have been going on for decades, but there appears to be little progress on the official front.
In 2009, the US Senate agreed to a resolution apologizing for the “fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality, and inhumanity of slavery”.
Although Tony Blair apologized when he was prime minister and some British institutions took responsibility, Britain has yet to issue an official apology.
Other European countries have also been slow to apologize for their colonial past and complicity in slavery.
But in 2022, Mark Rutte of the Netherlands issued an official apology to his country for its role in the slave trade. This is one of the rare instances where a European country has officially taken responsibility.
In 2023, the European Union expressed its regret for “the untold suffering of millions of men, women and children as a result of the transatlantic slave trade”.
King Charles III attends the official Royal ‘Ava ceremonial’ welcome at the National University of Samoa
Getty Images
Which country paid reparations for the transatlantic slave trade?
It appears that no European government has officially paid reparations to African countries affected by the slave trade.
However, independent organizations and individuals have, such as the University of Glasgow, pledged to pay £20 million in compensation for profits from the slave trade.
The Church of England has also set up a £100m fund to “deal with the wrongs of slavery”, although it has been criticized for not being enough.
Controversy over payments to slave traders
Although there were some reparations for the countries involved, one controversial development began in the 1800s.
In 1833, the British government agreed to pay £20m to slave owners in exchange for freeing the slaves – which would be the equivalent of billions today.
However, no ex-slaves received compensation at that time.
Enacted as part of the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833, the payment accounted for 40 percent of the country’s national budget.
Which country would like to do more?
Calls for action have continued to grow over the decades, particularly from countries affected by the transatlantic slave trade in the Caribbean and Africa.
Activists, people, businesses and organizations around the world are also voicing their support for more recognition and reparations for those affected.
The Caricom Reparations Commission (CRC) – a coalition of 15 Caribbean countries – led to more vocal demands for justice for the millions affected and pushed for further discussions.