Elon Musk has defended Britain as a row about the UK’s role in the slave trade continues with Caribbean countries demanding billions of pounds in reparations.
The Telsa CEO caused controversy on social media after claiming the British Empire was the “driving force” behind ending slavery.
He said: “Not many people these days know that the British Empire was the driving force behind ending the vast majority of global slavery.
“Slavery or de facto slavery was standard practice throughout the world from the dawn of civilization until a few hundred years ago.
“It is even discussed at length in the Bible, for example.”
Musk also shared posts from a separate social media account claiming the British Empire “did a lot of good”.
Britain’s involvement in the slave trade began in 1562, with the UK emerging as the world’s biggest slave-trading nation by the 1730s.
Many cities across the country continue to grapple with legacies centred around the transatlantic slave trade.
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Not many people these days know that the British Empire was the driving force behind ending the vast majority of global slavery.
Slavery or de facto slavery was standard practice throughout the world from the dawn of civilization until a few hundred years ago. It is even… https://t.co/HQjCz4Hago
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 15, 2024
However, by the late 18th century, popular attitudes across the UK started to change.
Quakers kickstarted the abolition movement by condeming slavery and delivering their first petition to the Houses of Parliament in 1783.
Independent MP William Wilberforce was a driving force behind parliamentary efforts to end slavery.
Prime Minister Lord Grenville introduced the Slave Trade Abolition Bill in 1807.
The legislation, which ended the legal trade of enslaved people rather than abolishing the practice altogether, was passed by 283 votes to just 16.
The Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 was later passed which freed slaves across British dominions, excluding territories occupied by the East India Company.
A clause was included to pay compensation of £20million to slave owners.
Measures were also introduced to bring in an “apprenticeship” scheme until 1840.
Keir Starmer and David Lammy
Reuters
However, Musk’s intervention comes after No10 was forced to reject suggestions Sir Keir Starmer could agree to repay billions of pounds worth of reparations.
Caribbean countries have been ramping up efforts to pressure London to cover the costs.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy had previously voiced support for reparations.
However, Science Secretary Peter Lyle said: “He now speaks on behalf of the Labour Government and this is a new Labour Government.”
