Kojo Karam’s trenchant analysis (Reform’s petulance over slavery reparations shows it just doesn’t grasp Britain’s place in the modern world, 10 April) offers a hopeful vision for global development. Alongside its contribution to addressing historical injustices, the mission of “redesigning a world that is fair for all” can empower human beings globally now and in the future.
Research by Results UK shows that the countries worst affected by child undernutrition lose tens of billions of pounds in tax revenues each year through illicit financial flows. Meanwhile richer countries lose far more than even these eye-watering sums. All countries should work together, primarily through the UN, to eliminate the scourge of illicit finance. This requires building capacity and coordination worldwide to prevent wrongdoing, prosecute offenders, recover stolen assets and close tax havens.
One of the many resulting benefits would be the generation of vast resources. These funds could then be equitably invested in the sustainable wellbeing of people everywhere. The Illicit Finance Summit, to be hosted by the UK government in London on 23-24 June, must be judged on whether it furthers these ambitions.
Sunit Bagree
Results UK
• I am the son of immigrants whose ancestors, during the period Britain was involved in the transatlantic slave trade, were subsistence farmers in a British colony. While I agree in principle with Kojo Koram, those who benefited directly from the proceeds of slavery should be the ones who pay, in particular those who received compensation under the 1837 Slave Compensation Act – a hideous injustice. I would be delighted to back any campaign that named and sought redress from those beneficiaries
Dr Pat Ryan
Sheffield
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