Boris Johnson on Slavery
Boris Johnson's public commentary concerning slavery is sparse, with direct statements on the institution itself being limited in the available record. However, he has faced significant criticism regarding comments related to historical racial issues and the ancestry of political figures.
His ancestral background includes a paternal great-grandfather, Ali Kemal, who was the son of a Turk and a Circassian reputedly of slave origin. This detail has been brought up in biographical accounts of Johnson's varied ancestry, which he himself described as a "one-man melting pot."
Johnson also drew criticism in 2016 for remarks made about then-US President Barack Obama's views on Brexit, which referenced Obama's "part-Kenyan" background. While not directly about chattel slavery, this comment was condemned by several politicians as racist and unacceptable, highlighting a sensitivity around racial heritage and historical context in his public discourse.
Context
As a long-serving British politician, including as Prime Minister, Boris Johnson's views on historical injustices like slavery are often relevant to debates on national identity, colonialism, and international relations. His ancestry, which is notably diverse, connects him directly to regions and historical contexts where the legacy of slavery is significant.
His public image often involves references to classical history and colonialism, meaning that any historical comment touching upon such themes is subject to intense scrutiny, even if it does not directly address the abolition or modern continuation of slavery.
Key Quotes
His other paternal ancestry includes English, German and French; one of his German ancestors was said to be the illegitimate daughter of Prince Paul of Württemberg and thus a descendant of George II of Great Britain, which was later confirmed on an episode of Who Do You Think You Are? Ali Kemal's father was a Turk while his mother was a Circassian reputedly of slave origin.
"ancestral dislike" of Britain owing to his "part-Kenyan" background may have shaped Obama's views
Criticism
Condemned Johnson's April 2016 comment suggesting Barack Obama's "part-Kenyan" background may have shaped his views on Brexit, with many calling the remarks racist and unacceptable.
Sources3
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (born 19 June 1964) is a British politician and writer who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party from 2019 to 2022.
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.