SIR Lenny Henry has claimed every black Brit should be paid reparations for slavery.
The 67-year-old co-wrote a book titled The Big Payback, which supports the argument that £18trillion should be handed over in compensation.
He argued vast amounts should be paid to Caribbean nations – and also given to black British citizens individually
In the book Sir Lenny wrote “all black British people… need reparations for slavery.”
Adding: “We personally deserve money for the effects of slavery.”
The authors argue slavery led directly to racism and say all black people suffer the effects of racism, so should all be given compensation.
They add: “The reason we have racism today and also … why black British people are grossly over-represented in the prison population […] are all because of the transatlantic slave trade.”
Jamaica, Antigua, Nevis, Barbados and St Kitts, all Caribbean nations that were under British control, connected Britain to Western Africa and the Americas.
The countries formed a key part of the triangular slave trade routes between Western Africa, America and Britain.
Britain outlawed the slave trade in its empire in 1807 but it did not formally abolish the practice of slavery until later in 1834.
Most of Britain’s 2.4 million black population is of direct African descent, meaning they’re not descendants of Caribbean slaves.
So what do you think – should compensation be handed over? Have your say in our exclusive poll.
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