Sir Lenny Henry Urges Slavery Reparations for Black Brits
Comedian and actor Sir Lenny Henry has joined a growing chorus calling for slavery reparations for Black British people. In his new book, The Big Payback, Henry advocates for the United Kingdom government to provide compensatory payments totaling £18 trillion, arguing that the effects of slavery continue to shape lives today. The public dispute over reparations in the UK intersects with wider discussions about historical accountability, justice, and economic equity.
The core proposal
Henry’s central claim is stark: all Black British people “need reparations for slavery,” and the authors argue that Black Britons “deserve money for the effects of slavery.” The figure of £18 trillion is presented as a starting point for a broader reckoning, one that could take many forms beyond direct cash payments. Reparations, the authors note, can include financial compensation as well as symbolic gestures, policy changes, and long-term public investments aimed at redressing historic wrongs.
What counts as reparatory justice?
The discussion of reparations in Britain echoes a global debate about how nations address the legacies of chattel slavery and colonialism. Writers in The Big Payback emphasize that reparatory justice does not have to be cash alone. Proposals often include formal apologies, educational initiatives, community development programs, and targeted health or housing investments intended to narrow persistent disparities that trace back to historic inequities.
Political context and responses
Last year, Commonwealth leaders signaled a willingness to engage in meaningful discussions about reparatory justice for the transatlantic slave trade. A document signed by 56 heads of government acknowledged the need for “discussions on reparatory justice” and described slavery as an “abhorrent” crime of the past. However, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that there had been no discussions about money, reiterating the position that the UK would not pay reparations. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has likewise framed reparations as not primarily about cash transfers.
What about money now?
The authors of The Big Payback argue that the debate has not advanced on the financial front, but they maintain that a robust reparations program could have transformative effects beyond monetary restitution. Proponents suggest that reparations could foster stronger ties with Africa, the Caribbean, and other regions, potentially stimulating trade and enhancing Britain’s standing on the world stage. Critics, however, warn of practical and political obstacles, including who qualifies, how much is owed, and which institutions would be responsible for disbursement.
Impacts on Black British communities
Henry and co-author Marcus Ryder point to statistics they describe as alarming: Black Britons are disproportionately unemployed and overrepresented in the prison system compared with their white counterparts. The book frames these disparities as legacies of slavery and colonialism, urging policymakers to view reparations as part of a broader effort to eliminate racial disparities in education, employment, health, and criminal justice.
What reparations could look like in practice
Even if a specific payment total remains contested, the concept of reparations invites a broader design space. Potential models could include:
- Direct financial grants or settlement funds for affected individuals and communities.
- Targeted investments in education, housing, healthcare, and economic development in Black British communities.
- Public apologies and commemorative programs that acknowledge harms and promote awareness.
- Educational reforms and archival accessibility to teach about the transatlantic slave trade honestly.
Looking ahead
Sir Lenny Henry’s advocacy signals a continued push to place reparations on the national agenda. While the political landscape remains divided on cash payments, the conversation about reparatory justice—its forms, its scale, and its timeline—has gained traction. If Britain starts “the conversation,” as the authors suggest, it could lay the groundwork for a more comprehensive approach to addressing historical harms and their present-day consequences. The debate is unlikely to fade soon, and for many, reparations remain a moral, economic, and political test of the country’s commitment to equality.
