Foreign Secretary David Lammy has announced that the United Kingdom intends to seek atonement for the transatlantic slave trade by fostering improved trade relations with African nations. Lammy’s remarks came during his visit to Nigeria and South Africa, coinciding with a recent call from 56 Commonwealth members for a discussion on reparations for slavery.

In Lagos, Nigeria—a city historically significant as a former hub for the slave trade—Lammy described the transatlantic slave trade as “horrific and horrendous,” acknowledging the lasting scars it has left on communities. “I am the descendant of enslaved people, so I recognize that,” he stated, emphasizing his personal connection to this painful history as a child of Guyanese immigrants.

During an interview with the BBC, Lammy clarified that the conversation around reparations should not focus on financial compensation, especially amid the UK’s current cost-of-living crisis. Instead, he proposed that developing nations could benefit from British scientific and technical expertise as a form of atonement.

However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s cabinet has ruled out cash payments or other forms of reparatory justice. A spokesperson for Starmer reiterated last month, “We do not pay reparations,” while also declining to offer an apology for slavery. This response follows reports that several Caribbean countries are seeking £200 billion ($261 billion) in compensation for the suffering caused by the slave trade.

Despite the British Prime Minister’s stance, last week’s Commonwealth meeting in Samoa saw 56 member states sign a statement declaring slavery a “crime against humanity.” The document urged for discussions on reparatory justice concerning the transatlantic trade of enslaved Africans and called for “meaningful, truthful, and respectful conversations” aimed at building an equitable future.

The UK’s involvement in the slave trade began in 1562, with Britain emerging as the world’s largest slave trafficker by the 1730s. However, the nation reversed its position in the 19th century, banning the slave trade in 1807 and abolishing slavery in its colonies by 1833. Estimates from Reverend Dr. Michael Banner, dean of Cambridge’s Trinity College, suggest that the UK owes the Caribbean £205 billion (nearly $266 billion) in reparations, while the economic consulting firm Brattle Group has indicated that the figure could be as high as £19 trillion ($24 trillion).

Lammy’s visit to Africa marks his first official trip as foreign secretary and is intended to kick off a five-month “consultation process.” He aims to ensure that African voices are central to the new British approach to the continent, addressing their diverse needs and ambitions.