Britain’s Conservative leadership candidate Robert Jenrick has ignited controversy by suggesting that Britain’s former colonies should express gratitude for the legacy of the empire rather than seek reparations for the transatlantic slave trade.
The former British minister claimed that countries that were part of the empire “owe us (Britain) a debt of gratitude for the inheritance we left them.” His comments, published in the Daily Mail, stand in stark contrast to the growing movement toward reparatory justice. Recently, 56 Commonwealth heads of government, including Britain’s Keir Starmer, signed a document acknowledging the necessity for discussions on reparations for the “abhorrent” slave trade.
Jenrick’s assertion that former British colonies should be grateful for the empire’s legacy deserves to be dismissed with the utmost contempt. His statement that these nations “owe us a debt of gratitude for the inheritance we left them” not only reveals an astonishing insensitivity but also ignores the devastating impacts of colonialism, which included forced labor, land expropriation, cultural erasure, and systemic oppression.
In Zimbabwe, for instance, the tribalism that pitted the Shona against the Ndebele was a direct result of colonial rule, leading to post-independence conflicts whose scars remain fresh. The Second Republic deserves commendation for initiating the process of national healing in light of this historical context.
We must recognize and encourage progressive historians and activists who have swiftly condemned Jenrick’s statements, illuminating the brutal realities of British colonial rule. The transatlantic slave trade, forced assimilation policies, and the exploitation of natural resources have left deep and lasting scars. In the face of ongoing struggles in many post-colonial nations, the call for “gratitude” comes across as profoundly tone-deaf.
Jenrick’s comments are out of touch with the increasing recognition of the harmful legacy of colonialism. The Commonwealth’s recent acknowledgment of the necessity for reparatory justice discussions signals a shifting global consensus. By dismissing the notion of reparations, Jenrick undermines crucial efforts towards reconciliation and healing. His remarks have also raised serious concerns about the Conservative Party’s commitment to addressing Britain’s colonial past and promoting genuine equality and justice. The Commonwealth is urged to respond formally to Jenrick’s public comments, reinforcing the need for dialogue on reparations.
The Conservative Party’s dedication to confronting Britain’s colonial legacy has been seriously called into question due to Jenrick’s remarks, which seemingly dismiss reparations for the historical injustices of colonialism. This controversy is particularly poignant when considering the Lancaster House Agreement, a landmark treaty signed in 1979 that marked a significant step in bringing an end to the Rhodesian Bush War and establishing a framework for Zimbabwe’s transition to independence.
However, the agreement’s provisions for land reform were woefully inadequate, as the British government failed to provide sufficient funding for land redistribution. This oversight has had lasting impacts on Zimbabwe’s economic and social development. Jenrick’s comments have only served to unveil Britain’s persistent attitude toward its former colonies.
To Jenrick and his like-minded peers, the rallying cry remains clear: “Reparations, not Gratitude.” The brutal realities of British colonial rule—forced labor, land expropriation, cultural erasure, and systemic oppression—continue to resonate powerfully in the present day and call for acknowledgment and reparative action.
