Research shows that 60% of people in the UK are in favor of apologizing for slavery.

Three in five people in the UK support the idea of Caribbean nations and descendants of enslaved people receiving a formal apology for transatlantic chattel slavery, with more than half believing it should come from the UK Government or organizations that historically profited from slavery in the Caribbean. The Repair Campaign has launched a petition calling for reparations, with research showing that 64% of people are familiar with the concept of reparatory justice for slavery. Additionally, four in 10 people agree that financial compensation should be provided to Caribbean nations to address the legacy of slavery and colonialism.

Denis O’Brien, the architect of The Repair Campaign, emphasizes the importance of starting with an apology as a crucial step towards reparatory justice. He highlights the support for an apology in the UK and calls on the Government and Monarchy to no longer ignore calls for reparations. O’Brien asserts that the UK’s wealth was generated from slavery and that making amends for this historical injustice is essential for strengthening connections within communities and between the UK and the Caribbean. The Repair Campaign aims to address this issue and advocates for the three words: “I am sorry.”

Laura Trevelyan, a trustee of the Trevelyan Grenada Reparations Fund, expresses encouragement at the findings of the research, noting that polling on this specific issue has not been done before. As awareness of the present-day legacies of slavery grows, support for an apology and reparations for the descendants of enslaved Africans is expected to increase. With 190 years passing since the abolition of slavery in Britain, the next decade is crucial for securing justice for those who suffered due to the government-sanctioned slave trade.

Professor Verene Shepherd, director of the Centre for Reparation Research at The University of the West Indies, condemns Britain’s participation in the trafficking and enslavement of millions of Africans, labeling it as crimes against humanity. Despite the Slave Trade Abolition Act of 1807, the misery and suffering of Africans continued. Shepherd calls for former and current colonial powers to take responsibility, issue full and formal apologies, and implement the Caricom Ten Point Plan to address the historical injustices. The Centre for Reparation Research emphasizes the need for accountability and reparatory action on the UN International Day to remember the victims of transatlantic trafficking and chattel enslavement.

The polling conducted by The Repair Campaign and Walnut Omnibus demonstrates significant support in the UK for an apology and reparations for the legacy of slavery. With 60% of people in agreement, there is a growing recognition of the need to address historical injustices related to slavery and colonialism. The campaign for reparatory justice continues to gain momentum, with calls for action from the Government and Monarchy to acknowledge and make amends for the exploitation and suffering endured by enslaved Africans.