Rev Dr. Michael Banner, Dean of Trinity College, Cambridge, has sparked controversy by asserting that the UK owes more than £200 billion in reparations to Caribbean nations for its historical role in slavery. In his new book, “Britain’s Slavery Debt,” Banner argues that the modern-day descendants of enslaved people deserve compensation, citing Britain’s former status as “the leading slavery nation in the world.”
Dr. Banner’s £205 billion estimate is derived from the compensation claims made by slave owners when the abolition of slavery was enacted. At the time, the British government compensated slave owners over £20 million, half of their requested amount of £40 million.
Banner specifically called on the Scottish Government to take initiative, proposing it should start repaying its £20.5 billion share of the total debt. He highlighted Scotland’s significant involvement in the British Empire and the Caribbean trade, particularly through Glasgow. “Scotland now has an opportunity to show leadership once again on the side of right, by recognizing the compelling case for making reparations to the nations and people of the Caribbean,” he said in an interview with the Herald on Sunday. “The British Government has consistently failed to face up to this responsibility. Scotland can show the way.”
The UK government has historically dismissed calls for reparations. Nonetheless, Banner’s claims align with broader efforts by organizations such as Caricom, which represents 20 Caribbean states and has outlined a 10-point plan for “reparatory justice.”
Adding to the debate, UN judge Patrick Robertson stated last year that the UK might owe over £18 trillion for its slavery involvement across 14 countries.
Several British institutions, including the Church of England and the University of Glasgow, along with some prominent families, have acknowledged their historical ties to slavery and have set up funds to address reparations.
However, Scottish Conservative MSP Stephen Kerr criticized Dr. Banner’s proposals, suggesting they are detached from current societal needs. “Dr. Banner’s reasoning may have its place in the ivory towers of Russell Group universities, but it does not speak to the real-world challenges we are facing,” Kerr said. “People in Scotland have other pressing concerns. We need to deal with the real priorities of Scots and not be concerned with yet more academic virtue-signalling.”