Sir Lenny Henry has ignited one of the most contentious debates in Britain’s recent history. The 67-year-old comedian, actor, and racial equality advocate argues in his new book The Big Payback, co-written with TV executive Marcus Ryder, that slavery reparations should not only go to Caribbean nations but also to every black individual in Britain. His proposed figure? A staggering £18 trillion.

Who is Lenny Henry?

Born in Dudley, West Midlands, Lenny Henry first rose to fame in the 1970s as a trailblazing black comedian on British television. Over the decades, he became a household name through comedy, acting, and presenting, while also using his platform to champion diversity in the arts. Knighted in 2015 for services to drama and charity, Sir Lenny has long been outspoken about racial inequality and representation. His latest work takes his activism to a new level, directly challenging Britain to reckon with its colonial past.

Why is Lenny Henry Calling for Reparations?

In The Big Payback, set for release on October 9, Sir Lenny and Ryder argue that Britain’s transatlantic slave trade laid the foundations for modern racism. They claim that systemic disadvantages faced by black communities today, such as higher unemployment, overrepresentation in prisons, and discrimination, are direct consequences of slavery.

Henry writes that “all black British people… need reparations for slavery,” adding, “We personally deserve money for the effects of slavery.”

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The £18 Trillion Question: How Was the Figure Calculated?

The authors base their eye-watering £18 trillion figure on the Brattle Report, which calculated how much Western nations might owe for slavery. The report considers factors such as loss of liberty, stolen wages, and intergenerational trauma, with estimates topping $100 trillion globally. Henry and Ryder apply this logic to Britain, arguing that reparations could help dismantle systemic racism.

Critics Say Reparations Are “Unrealistic”

While the proposal has drawn support from some academics, campaigners, and politicians, it has also triggered backlash. Critics argue that most black Britons today are not direct descendants of Caribbean slaves, and that reparations on such a scale are financially impossible. Others insist Britain already “paid to end slavery” through historical compensation to slave owners, not the enslaved.

Can Reparations Really “Rid the World of Racism”?

Henry’s book insists reparations should go beyond money. The authors argue they must “dismantle the foundations” of Western societies built on slavery, redistributing wealth and power to create a fairer future. They frame reparations not just as compensation, but as a transformative project to tackle inequality at its roots.

When Will The Big Payback Be Published?

The book is set to be released on October 9, 2025, by Faber. With contributions from Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy and black studies professor Kehinde Andrews, it is expected to fuel intense political and cultural debate.

FAQ

Who is Lenny Henry?

Sir Lenny Henry is a British comedian, actor, writer, and activist. Born in 1958, he rose to fame through comedy and has since become a leading voice for diversity in the arts. He was knighted in 2015.

What has Lenny Henry said about slavery reparations?

In his new book The Big Payback, co-written with Marcus Ryder, Henry argues that all black Britons should receive reparations for slavery, amounting to £18 trillion.

Why £18 trillion?

The figure is based on estimates from the Brattle Report, which calculated what Western nations might owe in reparations for the transatlantic slave trade.

Who would receive the reparations?

According to Henry, every black Briton, not just descendants of Caribbean slaves, should be compensated because modern racism stems from the legacy of slavery.

When will Lenny Henry’s new book be published?

The Big Payback will be released on October 9, 2025, by Faber.

Has the idea of reparations been supported before?

Yes. Caricom nations and the African Union have both pushed for reparations from former colonial powers. In the UK, some academics and politicians back the idea, but it remains highly contested.

Why is the proposal controversial?

Critics argue the cost is unrealistic and that not all black Britons are descendants of slaves. Some also say Britain already compensated through historical payments, though these went to slave owners, not victims.

What impact does Lenny Henry hope reparations will have?

Henry believes reparations could help “rid the world of racism” by dismantling systemic inequalities and redistributing wealth and power.

What else does the book cover?

The book includes historical analysis, legal precedents, and contributions from academics and politicians, making a broader case for reparations as a tool for social transformation.

Will the government respond to Lenny Henry’s call?

There has been no official response yet, but given the scale of the proposal, it is likely to fuel political and cultural debate in the months ahead.