Gaston Browne described Kemi Badenoch as misguided after she opposed Britain paying compensation for its historical role in slavery.

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has criticised UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch over her opposition to slavery reparations, saying she is “misguided” and questioning why she is not Britain’s prime minister.

Browne made the remarks in an interview with ITV News after Badenoch argued that Britain should stop apologising for its role in the transatlantic slave trade.

Asked about the Conservative leader’s position, Browne said: “Well, I think she’s misguided. And no wonder she is the leader of the opposition and not the Prime Minister. Right?”

He was also asked whether Badenoch should reconsider her position.

“Well, that’s up to her. But we do not share her sentiments,” he replied.

Badenoch had argued that Britain should not pay compensation for slavery, saying the Commonwealth should focus on the future rather than continue revisiting historical wrongs.

She also questioned whether Caribbean countries seeking an apology from Britain would make similar demands of descendants of African rulers and merchants who captured, sold and profited from the slave trade.

Browne maintained that Britain’s refusal to pay reparations would not remove the need for compensation.

“I understand the politics in the UK, in which it may be a difficult proposition for him to agree to any form of reparations, but that does not negate the need for reparations,” he said.

He argued that the money could come from Britain’s existing overseas development budget, rather than placing additional demands on taxpayers.

Browne also warned that failure to address the consequences of slavery could encourage future atrocities.

The exchange comes amid renewed debate over Britain’s historical responsibility for the transatlantic slave trade ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda. (AriseNews TV)