Jamaica petitions King Charles for slavery reparations advice

A formal petition has been lodged with King Charles III by a Jamaican delegation, seeking legal advice from the privy council concerning transatlantic slavery. The delegation, led by Culture Minister Olivia Grange, is in the UK to discuss reparations and the return of artefacts. The petition asks the monarch to seek guidance on whether the forced transport of Africans to Jamaica was lawful, constituted a crime against humanity, and if Britain has an obligation to provide restitution for slavery and its lasting effects.

Legal Strategy and Opposition

The legal strategy behind the petition has drawn criticism, with former privy council member Lord Sumption describing it as 'nonsense' and arguing the issue is moral and political, not legal. However, Jamaican legal experts defend its validity. Edward Fitzgerald KC stated that Jamaica is using a mechanism within the Judicial Committee Act 1833, which allows the King to refer legal or constitutional questions to the privy council. Harj Narulla, part of the UK legal team, described it as an 'obvious jurisdictional route' given that the issue concerns the state responsible for slavery in Jamaica.

Ulele Burnham, another member of the legal team, argued that the petition aims to demonstrate that the atrocities of slavery were not only immoral but also inconsistent with the law of the time. She stated that non-Europeans were always considered human and possessed rights under English and international law, even during the era of slavery.

Government Response and Wider Context

The UK government, through a spokesperson for the prime minister, has reiterated its established position: 'the UK does not and will not pay reparations'. This stance contrasts with the petition's aim to address the enduring consequences of slavery. Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy, chair of the all-party parliamentary group for Afrikan Reparations, supported Jamaica's right to petition the monarch, citing responsibilities arising from colonialism and enslavement. She suggested that the UK's refusal to even apologise or discuss reparations could strain the Commonwealth.

The delegation's visit also includes discussions with institutions such as the British Museum regarding the return of artefacts. While Jamaica's government had previously tabled a bill to remove the King as head of state, this has not yet become law. The petition was filed by post and email, following confirmation of the correct legal process with both the Palace and the privy council, according to Minister Grange. A meeting with King Charles was not part of the delegation's plan.