Jamaica has formally taken its campaign for slavery reparations to King Charles III, asking him to refer legal questions about Britain’s responsibility for the trans-Atlantic slave trade to the Privy Council. 

The petition seeks to have the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, which serves as the highest court for several former British colonies, consider whether Britain bears legal responsibility for damages connected to slavery.

Jamaica’s move comes as Caribbean nations continue to press European governments to acknowledge the lasting effects of slavery and colonialism and provide reparations.

King Charles has previously expressed sorrow over the suffering caused by slavery, but he has not endorsed reparations, while the British government has so far rejected calls for an official apology or compensation, the AP has reported.

The legal action could also strengthen Jamaica’s broader campaign to reconsider its constitutional ties to the British monarchy and potentially become a republic.