On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Clapham and Brixton Hill) issued a powerful warning in the House of Commons, stating that a UK vote against Ghana’s upcoming United Nations resolution would be a "betrayal of every life" consumed by the slave trade.
The resolution, championed by President John Dramani Mahama in his role as the African Union (AU) Champion for Reparations, seeks to have the transatlantic slave trade formally recognized as the "gravest crime against humanity".
The "Points of Order" Intervention
Rising on a Point of Order just a day before the scheduled UN vote in New York, Ribeiro-Addy challenged the government's lack of transparency on its voting position:
Britain’s Historical Role: She reminded the House of Britain’s "central role" in the trafficking and enslavement of African peoples, arguing that this history creates a moral obligation to support the resolution.
Democratic Deficit: She criticized the fact that the House of Commons had never formally debated the resolution, questioning how the government’s UN vote could accurately reflect the "will of this Parliament" or the British people.
A Growing Global Coalition: The MP noted that the resolution is not a solo effort by Ghana but is backed by the African Union, CARICOM, and a "growing global coalition".
The Government's Response
The Deputy Speaker, Caroline Nokes, responded to the Point of Order by clarifying the procedural reality of UK diplomacy:
Crown Prerogative: The Speaker noted that diplomatic relations at the UN are conducted under the Crown Prerogative, meaning the decision on how to vote lies solely with the executive branch (the government) rather than a parliamentary vote.
Recorded Concerns: However, she acknowledged that Ribeiro-Addy had successfully "placed her concerns on the record" for the government front bench to hear.
Advice for Debate: The Speaker suggested the MP apply for a Backbench Business Debate or raise the matter during Westminster Hall sessions if she wished for a full parliamentary discussion on reparations.
Key Context: The March 25 UN Vote
| Aspect | Detail |
| Proposer | President John Dramani Mahama (Ghana) |
| Timing | Wednesday, March 25, 2026 (Intl. Day of Remembrance) |
| Core Goal | Designate the slave trade as the "gravest crime against humanity" |
| Legal Status | A "declaratory political instrument," not a judicial ruling |
"Given our nation’s central role in the trafficking and enslavement of African peoples, a vote against would be a betrayal of every life it consumed." — Bell Ribeiro-Addy, March 24, 2026.
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