Former British Home Secretary Suella Braverman has called on Ghana and other former colonies to pay reparations to the United Kingdom for what she described as the “investment, effort and contribution” made by the British Empire in developing these countries.
Braverman’s remarks come amid growing calls from Ghana and several African countries for reparative justice over the transatlantic slave trade and the enduring effects of colonialism on African societies and the descendants of enslaved people.
In a post on X, the former Conservative politician, who defected to the far-right Reform UK party earlier this year, weighed in on the reparations debate, arguing that the British Empire had made significant positive contributions worldwide.
“The British Empire did so much good for the world,” Braverman wrote.
While acknowledging that slavery was wrong, she rejected calls for modern-day Britain to provide compensation for historical injustices.
“Of course, slavery was abhorrent, but to expect the British people of the 21st century to pay for actions that took place in the 18th century has no basis in law,” she stated.
Braverman went further, arguing that if discussions on reparations were to be pursued, former British colonies should instead compensate Britain.
“If the government is seriously thinking about this, then former colonies should pay the British back for the considerable investment, effort, and contribution that this country made, which laid the foundations for many flourishing democracies today,” she added.
The British Empire did so much good for the world.
Of course slavery was abhorrent but to expect the British people of the 21st century to pay for actions that took place in the 18th century has no basis in law.
If the government is seriously thinking about this then former… https://t.co/JWwDtdMEPj
— Suella Braverman (@SuellaBraverman) July 3, 2026
The United Nations General Assembly recently passed a motion by Ghana on reparations for the transatlantic slave trade, with 123 member states voting in favour.
The motion, presented by President John Mahama on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, calls for a renewed international commitment to reparative justice for African nations and the descendants of enslaved people.
It urges UN member states to engage in structured dialogue and concrete actions aimed at acknowledging and addressing the enduring social, economic, and cultural impacts of slavery.
