Commonwealth leaders have been surprised at Labour’s position – and campaigners have even called the PM’s stance ‘offensive’

It was meant to be a historic moment for the UK: the first time a sitting prime minister has visited a Pacific island nation. But the focus instead has been on the anger and deep frustration sparked by Keir Starmer’s blunt refusal to discuss the issue of reparations.

No 10 confirmed the government would not issue an apology for the UK’s role in slavery in the run-up to Commonwealth heads of government meeting (Chogm). And while travelling to the conference, Starmer told reporters he wants to “look forward” rather than have “very long endless discussions about reparations on the past”.