U.K. to face $260 billion slave trade bill

King Charles III is set to face demands to pay $260 billion in compensation for Britain's role in the transatlantic slave trade. The British monarch will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government summit later this week. The annual meeting brings together leaders of 56 member states that were once territories or colonies of the former British Empire. 

Fifteen Caribbean nations have unanimously agreed to raise the issue of slave trade reparations at the summit. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley said the U.K. needed to atone for its past atrocities. U.N. judge Patrick Robinson puts the realistic amount of reparations for damage done by Britain during the slave trade at $25 trillion.

U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy has spoken of how his ancestors heard "twisted lies of imperialism as they were…turned into slaves". His ancestors were enslaved. In 2018, he tweeted: "As Caribbean people, we are not going to forget our history. We don't just want to hear an apology. We want reparations." Conversely, Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, a possible future chairman of the U.K. Conservative Party, suggested Commonwealth countries should pay the U.K. for its role in abolishing slavery. He tweeted: "They ought to pay us for ending slavery. It is not something any other country had done, and we were motivated by Christian charity." The U.K. recently stated there would be no financial redress.

Source : Breaking News English 

Comprehension

What is King Charles III expected to face demands for at the Commonwealth summit?
How many Caribbean nations have agreed to raise the issue of slave trade reparations?
What amount does U.N. judge Patrick Robinson suggest Britain owes in reparations?
What was Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley's stance on the U.K.'s role in the slave trade?
What did U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy say about his ancestors and their experience with slavery?
What is Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg’s opposing view on reparations?
According to Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, what was Britain’s motivation for ending slavery?
What has the U.K.'s official position been regarding financial redress for slavery?

Discussion

Do you think Britain should pay reparations for its involvement in the transatlantic slave trade? Why or why not?
How do you feel about the difference in views between David Lammy and Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg on reparations?
What impact do you think financial reparations could have on the Commonwealth countries?
Should countries today be held accountable for actions taken by previous generations? Why or why not?
How can countries like the U.K. address historical wrongs if they choose not to provide financial compensation?
How do historical events like the transatlantic slave trade continue to influence the present-day relationships between countries?
What role should modern leaders play in addressing the legacies of slavery and colonialism?
How can educational systems help future generations understand the impact of historical events like slavery?
What are your thoughts on reparations being discussed in global meetings like the Commonwealth Heads of Government summit?
How do you think the legacy of slavery has shaped modern discussions on race and inequality?

Vocabulary

Compensation – Payment given for loss, damage, or suffering.
Reparations – Compensation or amends for wrongs or damage caused, particularly in historical contexts.
Atrocities – Extremely cruel or violent acts, often during war or conflict.
Abolishing – Formally putting an end to a system, practice, or institution.
Redress – The act of setting right a wrong, often through compensation.
Colonialism – The practice of acquiring full or partial control over another country and exploiting it economically.
Imperialism – A policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, use of military force, or other means.
Financial redress – Monetary compensation provided to correct a wrongdoing or injustice.