Nigel Farage faces criticism for his recent pledge to restrict visas for individuals from 19 nations seeking reparations for Britain’s historical involvement in the slave trade. The leader of Reform UK targeted the United Nations (UN) and expressed his opposition to compensating citizens from countries such as Jamaica, Ghana, Barbados, Nigeria, and Haiti. The UN had passed a resolution urging nations with a history of slavery to provide compensation to affected countries.
Despite mounting global pressure, Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour party, stated that he has no plans to comply with the resolution. Farage, in a press conference in Warwickshire, accused the UN of using these countries as tools to undermine the values of the UK.
Between the 15th and 19th centuries, an estimated 12 to 15 million African men, women, and children were forcibly enslaved, with around two million perishing during transit on slave ships. Nations affected by slavery argue that reparations would acknowledge the enduring economic harm and suffering caused by this historical injustice.
Farage emphasized the need to recognize both the shameful and commendable aspects of Britain’s past, including its significant role in abolishing the slave trade. However, a spokesperson from the Labour party dismissed Farage’s proposal as a publicity stunt that would not address immigration issues effectively.
Reform UK’s home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, emphasized that the UK should not be seen as a source of financial compensation for past grievances and should not be subjected to global ridicule. The UN resolution received overwhelming support with 123 votes in favor, while the UK was among the 52 countries that chose to abstain.
Ghana’s foreign minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, clarified that the call for compensation is aimed at seeking justice for victims and supporting causes such as educational and skills training initiatives. Farage’s proposal would impact 19 nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Ghana, Haiti, Jamaica, Nigeria, and Trinidad and Tobago, among others.
