UK Gov’t faces conservative criticism over UN slavery reparations abstention

Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the UK Conservative Party, has launched a sharp attack on the Labour government after Britain abstained from a United Nations resolution that describes slavery as the greatest crime against humanity and calls for the establishment of a global reparations fund.

The UK was among 52 nations—mostly European—that chose not to vote against the resolution, which passed with the support of 112 countries. The non-binding resolution, introduced by Ghana, urges former colonial powers to acknowledge their historical responsibility, issue formal apologies, and contribute to reparative financial mechanisms.

In a post on X, Ms. Badenoch criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government for failing to oppose the measure. She argued that the resolution could expose “UK taxpayers” to demands for “trillions in reparations.”

“Britain led the fight to end slavery,” Ms. Badenoch wrote, insisting that the UK should not pay reparations. She questioned why the prime minister’s representative did not vote against the text, framing the abstention as a failure to protect British interests.

The resolution has reignited a long-running debate over historical accountability for the transatlantic slave trade. While proponents argue that reparations are essential to address enduring structural inequalities, critics in several European nations have voiced concerns over legal liability and financial implications.

The UK government has not yet issued a detailed explanation of its decision to abstain.