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Labour have begun outlining how they would make "reparations" for the UK's colonial past.

Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell said that one way will be for the UK to share green technology with its former colonies.

The policy comes out of the belief that the UK should take responsibility for the role its industrial legacy in polluting the world.

In his speech to Labour Party conference he said: "In July, at our inaugural International Social Forum, I reiterated our support for socialist internationalism.

"We recognise that the First Industrial Revolution meant Britain was the first major contributor to climate change – something that left a lasting legacy for the Global South.

(Image: PA)

"And to begin making some reparations for our colonial past, I pledge we will provide to the citizens of the Global South free or cheap access to the green technologies developed as part of our Green Industrial Revolution."

It came after Shadow Women and Equalities Minister Dawn Butler also said there "must" be further reparations paid from slavery after Glasgow University agreed to make available £20million.

She said: "Other banks and businesses must follow. Labour will begin with consultation hubs in Liverpool, Bristol, Glasgow and London."

Mr McDonnell's announcement came as he welcomed the emergence of climate change as a key political issue.

He said: "I believe when historians write about 2019, the most important political event so far has not been replacing one useless Tory prime minister with another. It’s been the emergence on the national scene of climate change as amongst the most urgent political questions of the day."

This comes despite another divide between unions and grassroots members over the party's proposed Green New Deal motion.

Mr McDonnell paid tribute to Extinction Rebellion and school strikers.

In his speech, which was greeted by rapturous applause, he promised that his Treasury would put in "whatever resources are necessary to meet our obligations."