Britain’s guilt complex does the Caribbean no favours

With the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Antigua and Barbuda coming to an end, the UK’s Labour government has committed itself to a ‘structured, time-bound, inclusive and good-faith’ talks that address the ‘historical harms’ of the transatlantic slave trade.

Prime minister Andy Burnham has opened the door to issuing a formal apology on behalf of the UK for its role in the trade, although he has ruled out the prospect of financial reparations. This, however, is incredibly foolish thinking – the Caribbean countries now smell blood. A formal apology for the UK’s participation in the slave trade could leave us exposed to significant international legal challenges, as Caribbean countries may use it as an admission of state and corporate guilt. We would be walking straight into a trap.

Yet there are better reasons to say no to an apology. The UK should refuse because our nation played an integral part in suppressing the slave trade and encouraging its abolition in other parts of the world. The Royal Navy’s West Africa Squadron waged a decades-long campaign – one of the most expensive humanitarian actions in history – to suppress it. From 1807 to 1860, it seized a remarkable 1,600 slave ships – vessels which were usually far more sophisticated, dynamic and durable than the Squadron’s own. It liberated 150,000 slaves, at a cost of at least 1,500 British lives. This human and financial sacrifice is all too often overlooked – especially by those who are demanding an apology from the UK.

By getting wrapped up in a long-winded, protracted debate on the transatlantic slave trade, the Commonwealth itself risks drifting to the very margins of international relevance. Yet it remains an association brimming with youthful potential across continents – young, enterprising people who are desperate for the opportunities to progress and thrive in life. While some understandably frustrated voices at home have called for the UK to give up on the Commonwealth, throwing in the towel would be a grave error. If its strategic potential is harnessed in an effective and productive manner, the benefits of the Commonwealth for Britain are obvious.

Instead of being paralysed by some sort of atonement complex, the UK should show bold and courageous leadership. This would provide the Commonwealth with a much-needed sense of purpose and direction. In terms of trade and investment, the association enjoys what is called the ‘Commonwealth Advantage’ – an advantage based on a shared official language, similar legal framework and familiar administrative systems. In the spirit of being free and equal nations, the Commonwealth member states should deepen their trade and investment relations. Instead of offering handouts, the UK – with its expertise in the City – should instead take the lead in mobilising private capital to spur development. And, in an increasingly volatile and unpredictable world, the Commonwealth should give itself some teeth by exploring forms of security and defence co-operation.

The UK must not render itself impotent due to historic guilt – it has done far more good than harm in the world. It must stand up not only for itself, but also for people across the Commonwealth who value prosperity and security. Rather than apologise for the slave trade, it should show the leadership that much of the Commonwealth population craves.