The leader of the Conservatives, Kemi Badenoch, has challenged the United Kingdom’s decision to abstain from a landmark United Nations resolution recognising slavery and the transatlantic slave trade as among the greatest injustices in human history.
The resolution secured 123 votes in favour, with three countries — the United States, Israel, and Argentina — voting against, while the UK joined 52 nations in abstaining.
Although abstention typically signals neutrality, it can also carry political meaning depending on context.
John Mahama, who spearheaded the resolution, emphasised the need for such recognition, noting that the lasting effects of slavery, including racial inequalities, remain evident today.
Historians estimate that between 10 and 15 million Africans were forcibly transported across the Atlantic from 1500 to 1900, with British ships reportedly responsible for carrying at least three million.
West African countries such as Senegal, Benin, Ghana, and Nigeria—Badenoch’s country of origin—were among the hardest hit.
Adopted on Wednesday, the UN resolution calls on member states to consider issuing formal apologies for the transatlantic slave trade and contributing to a yet-to-be-defined reparations fund.
However, Badenoch criticised the UK’s stance in a post on X on Thursday.
“Russia, China and Iran vote with others to demand trillions in reparations from UK taxpayers…and the Labour government abstain!” she wrote.
“Britain led the fight to end slavery. Why didn’t Starmer’s representative vote against this? Ignorance…or cowardice?
“We shouldn’t be paying for a crime we helped eradicate and still fight today.”
Badenoch’s comments add to previous controversies surrounding her views on slavery. In 2024, she faced backlash after disputing claims that Britain’s economic growth was significantly built on slavery and colonialism.
She has also previously described calls for reparations as a “scam” promoted by countries that were also involved in the slave trade.