Former colonies should repay Britain: Suella

London: Former UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman has sparked controversy by saying former British colonies should “pay the British back” instead of seeking reparations for the empire’s legacy.

Responding on X to Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy’s post on Jamaica’s reparations campaign, she said, “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.”

Suella argued if Jamaica was serious about reparations, former colonies sho­uld instead repay Britain for its “considerable investment, effort and contribution” in building what she described as flourishing democracies.

The remarks came as Jam­aica said it would send officials to the UK on Sept 6 to submit a plea to King Charles III seeking legal guidance on its claim for reparations over Britain’s role in slavery.