Early Day Motion

About this item

This document is an Early Day Motion (EDM) tabled in the UK House of Commons on 10 May 1993 by Bernie Grant and other Members of Parliament. It expresses support for the Abuja Proclamation from the First Pan-African Conference on Reparations, calling on the international community to recognize the moral debt owed to African people due to slavery and colonization. The motion urges countries benefiting from these injustices to consider reparations for Africa and the African Diaspora.

Key points:
– The EDM welcomes the Abuja Proclamation issued by the Organisation of African Unity and the Government of Nigeria.
– It draws a parallel between reparations for African peoples and German reparations to Jews after the Holocaust.
– The motion calls for recognition of the ongoing economic and social harm caused by slavery, colonization, and racism.
– A total of 63 MPs, including Bernie Grant, signed the motion, demonstrating cross-party support.
– The motion supports intensified efforts by the Organisation of African Unity to pursue reparations.

Bernie Grant, a prominent Black British politician and advocate for racial justice, used his platform in the UK Parliament to highlight international reparations discussions linked to African history and the African Diaspora. This EDM reflects his commitment to anti-racism, international solidarity, and the recognition of historical injustices within British political discourse during the early 1990s.

Source note: The OCR of this document is generally clear and accurate, allowing reliable interpretation of the motion’s content and significance.