Jamaica says slavery reparations petition to be heard by UK privy council in March 2027
Jamaica’s minister of culture says UK has until November this year to file its case following referral by King Charles A high-level United Kingdom appeals court has set a date to h
By The Guardian
Jamaica’s petition seeking legal advice on slavery reparations from the UK is provisionally scheduled to be heard by the Privy Council in the week beginning 8 March 2027.
Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s minister of culture, said the date had been set by the London-based Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
The body is the final court of appeal for UK overseas territories and some Commonwealth countries. Jamaica’s petition was referred after a request was submitted to King Charles, who is Jamaica’s head of state.
The case asks for guidance on whether the enslavement and forced transportation of Africans to Jamaica was lawful, whether it amounted to a crime against humanity, and whether the UK has a legal obligation to provide reparations for slavery and its lasting effects.
The Jamaican government said the UK has until November 2026 to file its case. The March hearing date remains provisional.
Grange previously led a Jamaican delegation that presented the petition to the King. She described the referral as a major development in the country’s campaign for reparatory justice.
The UK government has previously acknowledged that slavery was abhorrent but has rejected calls for financial reparations and a formal apology.
The Privy Council hearing is expected to consider the legal questions raised by Jamaica’s petition in March 2027.