‘Ignorance or cowardice?’ — Badenoch criticises UK abstention on UN slavery vote
Leader of the UK Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has criticised the United Kingdom’s decision to abstain from a United Nations resolution declaring slavery and the transatlantic slave trade as among
- By Samuel Oamen
Leader of the UK Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has criticised the United Kingdom’s decision to abstain from a United Nations resolution declaring slavery and the transatlantic slave trade as among the greatest injustices in human history.
The resolution, adopted at the United Nations, secured 123 votes in favour and three against—the United States, Israel and Argentina — while the UK joined 51 other countries in abstaining.
Ghana’s President, John Mahama, who championed the resolution, said the move was necessary due to the enduring impact of slavery, including persistent racial inequalities.
Historical estimates indicate that between 10 and 15 million Africans were forcibly transported across the Atlantic between 1500 and 1900, with British ships reportedly responsible for carrying at least three million people. West African nations such as Senegal, Benin, Ghana and Nigeria were among the hardest hit.
The resolution, passed on Wednesday, calls on member states to consider issuing formal apologies for the transatlantic slave trade and contributing to a proposed reparations fund.
Reacting in a post on X (formerly Twitter), Badenoch faulted the UK government for abstaining rather than opposing the motion.
“Russia, China and Iran vote with others to demand trillions in reparations from UK taxpayers…and the Labour government abstain!” she said.
“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.”
Her comments add to previous controversies surrounding her stance on slavery and reparations. In 2024, Badenoch faced criticism after disputing claims that Britain’s industrial and commercial wealth was significantly built on slavery and colonialism. She has also previously described reparations demands as a “scam” advanced by countries that also participated in the slave trade.
