Honouring the Windrush Generation

Part of the Windrush display at Coventry station

Sunday 22nd June marked the 76th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks on 22nd June 1949. The Caribbean people aboard were the first of many who answered the call to help rebuild our country after the war. The Windrush generation and their children and grandchildren have gone on to make an immeasurable contribution to our society and our economy – in our public services, the NHS, business and trade, politics, the armed forces, and culture. Many made their home in Coventry, where they have enriched the city’s culture, community and character.

Sadly, under the last government the Windrush scandal saw Commonwealth communities who had, and have, the right to live in this country victimised because they were unable to prove that right through no fault of their own. The last Government’s response was far too slow, far too weak, and did not deliver justice to those who were betrayed and failed.

This Labour Government is determined to put right the appalling injustices suffered by members of the Windrush community under the Conservative government. We will make sure that those affected receive the compensation they rightly deserve, and ensure cultural change is embedded permanently into the Home Office. Since the election we have launched a £1.5million advocacy fund, re-established a Windrush Unit in the Home Office, significantly reduced the time taken to allocate claims, and begun the recruitment process for a Windrush Commissioner.