King urges world leaders to ‘right inequalities that endure’

Charles gave his first speech to the Commonwealth’s biennial summit amid growing momentum for a debate about slavery reparations.

King Charles III addresses Commonwealth leaders, Foreign Ministers and dignitaries at the opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Apia, Samoa (Ian Vogler/The Daily Mirror/PA) (PA Wire)

The King has told world leaders the past cannot be changed but nations can “commit” to “right inequalities that endure,” as momentum grew for a debate about slavery reparations.

Charles used his first speech to the Commonwealth’s biennial summit in Samoa as head of the family of nations, to stress how the relationship between member states meant “we can discuss the most challenging issues with openness and respect.”

He held a series of calls with Commonwealth leaders ahead of the event, and told the gathered heads of state: “I understand, from listening to people across the Commonwealth, how the most painful aspects of our past continue to resonate.”

The gathering of presidents and prime ministers for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) could see member states begin a “meaningful conversation” about the issue of reparations for slavery, according to reports.

The King said in his landmark speech: “As we look around the world and consider its many deeply concerning challenges, let us choose within our Commonwealth family the language of community and respect, and reject the language of division.

“None of us can change the past. But we can commit, with all our hearts to learning its lessons and to finding creative ways to right inequalities that endure.”

In an interview with the BBC, Chancellor Rachel Reeves reiterated the government’s view about reparations: “We’re not going to be paying out the reparations that some countries are speaking about.

“I understand why they make those demands but that’s not something that this government is doing.”

World leaders will elect the new Commonwealth secretary-general to replace Baroness Scotland during their meeting and all three candidates vying for the job have called for reparations to countries that were affected by slavery and colonialism.

Ahead of the summit in Samoa, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman insisted Sir Keir Starmer would not be discussing reparations when he attends Chogm.

But officials of Commonwealth nations are looking at an agreement that could begin conversations on the issue through a communique, according to the BBC.

Charles told the gathered world leaders: “Together, we represent a third of humanity, with all the splendidly diverse complexity that this entails. And yet we know and understand each other, such that we can discuss the most challenging issues with openness and respect.

“At a time of heightened global tensions, of horrifying conflict and challenges of the greatest magnitude, it seems to me that these connections between us are more precious than ever.

“Together we are wiser, stronger and more able to respond to the demands of our time.”

He added: “That said, our cohesion requires that we acknowledge where we have come from. I understand, from listening to people across the Commonwealth, how the most painful aspects of our past continue to resonate.”