Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has sharply criticised British Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch over her remarks opposing apologies and reparations for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.
In a pointed response during an interview with ITV News, Browne described Badenoch’s position as “misguided” and added: “No wonder she is the leader of the opposition and not the Prime Minister.”
The exchange comes amid renewed international debate over reparatory justice as Caribbean leaders prepare to engage the British Government during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), being hosted in Antigua and Barbuda.
Badenoch recently argued that the Commonwealth should be looking forward rather than repeatedly revisiting historical grievances.
“The transatlantic slave trade happened centuries ago. It is time for the Commonwealth to start looking forwards, not endlessly backwards,” she said during an appearance on BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.
She also warned against Britain issuing an apology, arguing that it could open the door to demands for financial compensation.
Browne strongly rejected that position.
Speaking to ITV News on Sunday, November 1, the Antiguan Prime Minister said that while he understood the political difficulties facing British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, that did not remove the need for reparations.
“I understand the politics in the UK, in which it may be a difficult proposition for him to agree to any form of reparations, but that does not negate the need for reparations,” Browne stated.
He further argued that without compensation, there was a risk of similar atrocities being repeated in the future.
“If there is no compensation, there's likely to be a repeat of those atrocities sometime in the future, and you can see what is happening globally already,” he said.
Browne maintained that Caribbean nations were not making unreasonable demands of Britain, suggesting that financial redress could be sourced from the United Kingdom's overseas development budget.
Rejects suggestion Caribbean nations are seeking handouts
Browne also pushed back against the suggestion that Caribbean countries were using the Commonwealth summit to seek financial assistance from Britain.
He argued that the consequences of slavery have not disappeared simply because centuries have passed and that the wealth generated through the enslavement and exploitation of Africans helped build Britain’s historical prosperity.
His position is that acknowledging the injustice must go beyond expressions of regret and include meaningful restitution.
The Antiguan leader's comments reflect the wider position being advanced by several Caribbean governments, which maintain that reparations must remain part of any meaningful dialogue with Britain.
St Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, who chairs CARICOM, has similarly indicated that the regional organisation is prepared to engage in structured discussions but warned that a dialogue which excludes reparations from the outset cannot be considered complete.
Britain signals willingness to apologise, but rules out compensation
The controversy follows a shift in Britain's position under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who has indicated that he is open to discussions that could lead to a formal apology for Britain's role in the transatlantic slave trade.
However, Burnham has ruled out direct financial reparations, maintaining that present-day British taxpayers should not be held financially responsible for the actions of previous generations.
His government has instead proposed structured dialogue and practical cooperation with Caribbean nations.
On Tuesday, November 3, Burnham is attending the Commonwealth summit in Antigua, where he has said he intends to listen to the concerns of member countries.
His government has also announced £40 million in development assistance for the Caribbean over three years, although British officials have made clear that the funding is not reparations.
The debate extends beyond reparations
Browne has also used the international attention surrounding the King's visit to reiterate his personal support for Antigua and Barbuda becoming a republic, replacing the British monarch as head of state.
He stressed, however, that the decision ultimately rests with the people of Antigua and Barbuda and must follow the country's constitutional requirements.
King Charles III is attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua, where Britain's colonial history, the legacy of slavery and the future relationship between the United Kingdom and Caribbean nations are expected to feature prominently.
For Caribbean leaders, the reparations debate is not simply about revisiting history. It is about confronting the economic, social and institutional consequences of slavery and establishing a framework for justice, accountability and meaningful redress.
Browne's response to Badenoch has added another sharp political dimension to a debate that is increasingly difficult for Britain and the wider Commonwealth to avoid.