David Lammy says slavery reparations 'not about transfer of cash'

by · Mail Online

David Lammy has said discussions over slavery reparations should not be about money 'particularly at a time of a cost-of-living crisis'.

The Foreign Secretary, speaking in Nigeria, addressed recent demands by Commonwealth leaders for talks on reparatory justice for nations affected by slavery.

The issue dominated the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting last month, despite Downing Street insisting it would not be on the agenda.

Speaking to the BBC in Lagos, during his first visit to Africa as Foreign Secretary, Mr Lammy insisted concentrating on money was a 'simplistic press debate'.

'It's not about the transfer of cash, particularly at a time of a cost-of-living crisis around much of the globe, and certainly in the UK,' he said.

'That is not the debate I think that people are wanting to have. They're wanting to think about the future.'

David Lammy met with Hannatu Musawa, Nigeria’s minister of art, culture, tourism and creative economy
The Foreign Secretary was given at tour of the Art X international art fair in Lagos by Art X founder, Tokini Peterside-Schwebi
Mr Lammy, on his first visit to Africa as Foreign Secretary, also spoke at a creative industries reception event in Lagos

Mr Lammy described slavery as 'horrific and horrendous in many, many ways' and said the transatlantic slave trade had left 'scars'.

'I am the descendant of enslaved people, so I recognise that,' he said.

He added it was right that an apology had been made 'and we commemorated the abolition of the slave trade' when Labour was last in power.

The Foreign Office said Mr Lammy was pursuing 'a fresh approach' that 'works productively from Morocco to Madagascar'.

'Our new approach will deliver respectful partnerships that listen rather than tell, deliver long-term growth rather than short-term solutions and build a freer, safer, more prosperous continent,' the Foreign Secretary said.

'I want to hear what our African partners need and foster relationships so that the UK and our friends and partners in Africa can grow together.'

Mr Lammy is in Nigeria to sign a 'strategic partnership' covering economic ties, national security and climate change.

He is also due to travel to South Africa and agree on the development of a new UK-South Africa Growth Plan.

The Foreign Secretary said: 'Growth is the core mission of this Government and will underpin our relationships in Nigeria, South Africa and beyond.

'This will mean more jobs, more prosperity and more opportunities for Brits and Africans alike.'