7th November, 2026 | News

Gaston Browne Criticises Kemi Badenoch Over Opposition to Slavery Reparations, Calls Her ‘Misguided’

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has criticised UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch over her opposition to slavery reparations, describing her position as “misguided” and questioning why she is not Britain’s prime minister.

Browne made the remarks during an interview with ITV News following Badenoch’s comments opposing financial compensation for Britain’s historical involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.

The disagreement has reignited debate over Britain’s historical responsibility for slavery, reparations and the relationship between the United Kingdom and Caribbean nations.

Gaston Browne Challenges Kemi Badenoch’s Position

Responding to Badenoch’s position, Browne questioned her understanding of the reparations debate and openly disagreed with her argument against compensation.

“Well, I think she’s misguided. And no wonder she is the leader of the opposition and not the Prime Minister,” Browne said.

When asked whether Badenoch should reconsider her position, the Antigua and Barbuda leader responded that the decision was hers but maintained that Caribbean nations did not share her sentiments.

Browne further argued that Britain’s refusal to provide reparations did not eliminate what he described as the need to address the historical consequences of slavery.

Kemi Badenoch Opposes Financial Compensation for Slavery

Badenoch had argued that Britain should stop apologising for its historical role in the transatlantic slave trade and that Commonwealth countries should concentrate on building their future rather than repeatedly revisiting historical injustices.

The Conservative leader also questioned whether Caribbean countries demanding apologies and reparations from Britain would make similar demands of African rulers and merchants whose historical involvement included capturing, selling and profiting from enslaved people.

Her position has drawn criticism from leaders advocating reparations for the lasting economic and social consequences of slavery.

Browne Says Britain Should Consider Existing Development Funds

Despite acknowledging the political difficulties surrounding reparations in the United Kingdom, Browne insisted that financial compensation remained necessary.

He suggested that Britain could consider using funds from its existing overseas development budget to support reparations rather than imposing additional financial demands on British taxpayers.

Browne also warned that failing to confront the consequences of historical atrocities could undermine efforts to prevent similar injustices in the future.

Slavery Reparations Debate Ahead of Commonwealth Meeting

The disagreement comes amid renewed discussions about slavery reparations ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.

The debate highlights differing positions among political leaders over historical responsibility, financial compensation, apologies and the future relationship between Britain and Caribbean nations.

While Badenoch opposes financial reparations, Browne maintains that Britain’s historical involvement in slavery requires meaningful action to address its lasting consequences.