Nigel Farage faces criticism for proposing to restrict visas for citizens from 19 countries seeking reparations for Britain’s historical involvement in the slave trade. The leader of Reform UK condemned the United Nations (UN) and singled out nations such as Jamaica, Ghana, Barbados, Nigeria, and Haiti. A recent UN resolution called for compensation from countries responsible for exploiting slaves.
Despite global pressure, Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, dismissed the idea of compensating affected nations. Farage, while promising a tough stance on African and Caribbean countries seeking reparations, did not explicitly mention deporting their citizens if he were to become Prime Minister.
During a press conference in Warwickshire, Farage accused the UN of using these countries as tools to undermine British values. Historically, millions of Africans were enslaved and transported to the Americas from the 15th to the 19th centuries, with a significant number perishing during the brutal journey.
Proponents of reparations argue that they would acknowledge the enduring economic impact and suffering caused by slavery. European powers like France, the UK, Portugal, and Spain controlled colonies where slaves were sent.
Farage highlighted Britain’s efforts to abolish slavery but acknowledged the mixed legacy of the country’s past. In response, a Labour spokesperson dismissed Farage’s proposal as a political stunt, criticizing Reform UK for lacking credibility on immigration issues.
Reform’s home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, emphasized that the UK should not be seen as a financial resource for past grievances and should not be ridiculed on the global stage. The UN resolution received significant support, with only the US, Israel, and Argentina voting against it, while the UK and 51 other countries abstained.
Ghana’s foreign minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, clarified that African nations were seeking justice and support for victims through compensation, educational programs, and skills training funds. Reform UK identified 19 countries that would be impacted by Farage’s proposal, including Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, Nigeria, and others.
