Jamaica's government confirmed that the UK Privy Council has scheduled a hearing for March 2027 to consider Jamaica's petition seeking legal advice on its slavery reparations claim against the UK.
Olivia Grange, Jamaica's minister of culture, announced the provisional hearing date for the week of 8 March, 2027 in a statement. The Privy Council, a London-based appeals court that serves as the final court of appeal for UK overseas territories and some Commonwealth countries, will hear the case.
The referral came after King Charles directed the matter to the Privy Council. According to Grange, the UK has until November 2026 to file its case in response to Jamaica's petition.
Jamaica's reparations claim centres on seeking compensation from the UK for the harms of slavery and colonialism. The petition before the Privy Council asks for legal advice on Jamaica's position, rather than a direct ruling on whether reparations must be paid.
The Privy Council hearing represents a significant step forward for Jamaica's reparations efforts. The case will unfold over the coming months as both governments prepare their legal arguments ahead of the March 2027 date.