Nigel Farage faces criticism for proposing to deny visas to individuals from 19 countries seeking reparations for Britain’s involvement in the slave trade. The leader of Reform UK targeted the United Nations (UN) and countries like Jamaica, Ghana, Barbados, Nigeria, and Haiti, following a recent UN resolution calling for compensatory payments from slave-trading nations.
Despite global pressure, Keir Starmer stated his opposition to the idea, while Farage promised strict measures against African and Caribbean nations advocating for reparations, although he did not explicitly mention deportation if he were to become PM.
During a press event in Warwickshire, Farage accused the UN of using these nations as tools to undermine Britain’s values. Historically, millions of African individuals were enslaved from the 15th to the 19th centuries, with a significant number perishing during the transatlantic journey.
Advocates for reparations argue that acknowledging the economic and human toll of slavery is essential, as enslaved individuals were sent to colonies controlled by European powers such as France, the UK, Portugal, and Spain.
Farage highlighted Britain’s efforts to abolish slavery while acknowledging both the shameful and commendable aspects of the nation’s history. In response, a Labour spokesperson dismissed Farage’s proposal as a political stunt, criticizing Reform UK for lacking a coherent immigration strategy.
Reform’s home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, emphasized that the UK should not be seen as a source of financial compensation for past grievances and should not be subject to global ridicule on this matter.
The UN resolution received overwhelming support with 123 votes in favor, while the US, Israel, and Argentina opposed it, and 52 countries, including the UK, abstained. The call for reparations has gained traction, with Ghana’s foreign minister advocating for justice and support for victims through educational and skills training programs.
Reform UK identified 19 nations that would be impacted by Farage’s visa proposal, including countries like Jamaica, Ghana, Nigeria, and Haiti, among others.
