Sir Keir Starmer’s Commonwealth summit upended in row over slave trade reparations
PM SIR Keir Starmer’s Commonwealth summit has been upended in a row over slave trade reparations — with Nigel Farage warning him not to give ground.
Downing Street and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have stressed money will not be paid out over historical abuses.
But some officials from the 56-country alliance are calling for a settlement which could cost Britain billions of pounds.
Demands are being made for a “meaningful conversation” on the issue but sources say the UK will not budge.
However, Reform leader Nigel Farage said: “My worry is, if you give an inch on this stuff, they will want to take a mile.”
Speaking on The Sun’s Never Mind the Ballots show, he said he feared that the PM could crumble.
Mr Farage said: “Starmer’s firm isn’t that firm. He needs to hold absolutely rock solid and say we’re not doing any of this stuff. It’s nonsense.”
The PM has come under pressure on the issue since arriving in Samoa, with the summit conclusions possibly including “reparatory justice”.
This could be financial payouts, debt relief or an official apology.
Bahamas PM Philip Davis said it was time to have a frank discussions about slavery.
Mr Farage also claimed China was trying to break up the Commonwealth to exert more influence on its members.
It poured hundreds of millions of pounds into Barbados, investing in tourism, with the country becoming a republic in 2021.
Mr Farage added: “You can see what’s going on, particularly with Barbados. You can almost feel the Chinese influence.
“I promise you, Chinese meddling is there. It’s part of an effort to break it up.”
Sir Keir said he was focused on “future-facing challenges” with other leaders.
Ms Reeves said the UK was “not going to be paying out” any reparations.
The UK will also try to ditch its reliance on China for tech by securing critical mineral supplies from Common-wealth countries.
It came as British property company Delancey Real Estate signed a £1billion pact with Australian pension fund Aware Super to invest in UK property.
Australia’s biggest pension fund Australian- Super is also preparing to boost its London team.
PM: No dress Downing Street
SIR Keir Starmer suits up in 30C Samoa at a state banquet — ignoring a plea to dress down.
Samoa PM Fiame Naomi Mata’afa said of advice to guests: “We’re not really keen for people to wear suits and be hot and uncomfortable.”