Windrush Lessons Learned Review

Mrs Patel described the review's findings that institutional ignorance and thoughtlessness towards race and history contributed to the mistreatment of Windrush generation members. She highlighted specific cases, like Paulette Wilson being detained despite 50 years in Britain, and Junior Green missing his mother’s funeral due to denied re-entry. Mrs Patel committed to reviewing recommendations for cultural change within the Home Office, focusing on fairness, dignity, and respect.

The Windrush generation review highlights significant issues within the Home Office, emphasising the need for acknowledgment of wrongs done to the Windrush generation, external scrutiny, cultural change rooted in humanity, and a commitment to justice beyond the Caribbean. The review also demands a comprehensive improvement plan, reconciliation events with members of the Windrush generation, a look into Commonwealth cases, and a full review of the hostile environment policy. Abbott criticises the Home Secretary for not sharing the report with Opposition Front-Bench team and emphasises that the Windrush scandal was rooted in systemic issues within the Home Office.

Patel assures Diane Abbott that she has taken all necessary steps to publish the independent review laid by Wendy Williams. She acknowledges the need for cultural change and policy reviews within the Home Office, emphasising the importance of lessons learned at all levels, including Labour, coalition, and Conservative governments. Patel commits to working closely with Wendy Williams on the recommendations going forward.

May associates herself with Priti Patel's unqualified apology to the Windrush generation and emphasises the need for a better understanding of communities and cultures. She draws attention to the role of the race disparity audit in highlighting failings and gaps in public sector provision for certain communities.

MacAskill welcomes the Home Secretary's statement but emphasises that it is only a start. He calls for the return of those Windrush generation members who have been deported, regardless of their passport origin if they are UK citizens. He also highlights the importance of reflecting the spirit of Wendy Williams’ report in implementing recommendations and addressing systemic issues.

Committed his right hon. Friend for her statement and apology, highlighting the racism Windrush generation faced upon arrival and later in life. He urged the Home Secretary to reach out to those who have been deported or are outside the country but wish to return, so they too can receive justice.

Called on the Home Secretary to accept that this was a systemic pattern of behaviour rooted in a toxic culture and failure to understand Britain's colonial history. He also asked for commitment to implement all recommendations, review compensation payments, and end the hostile environment policy.

Asked when officials at the Home Office first had sight of Wendy Williams' report before it was published by the Secretary of State.

Highlighted that the Windrush generation have been deported or denied services due to government actions. She urged for acceptance of all recommendations about scrutiny and openness in the Home Office to prove fundamental changes are being made.

Expressed his support for those from Windrush generation, stating that they were always seen as British by military comrades.

Complimented the work of Councillor Carole Williams in engaging with the community. She also asked about support for other Commonwealth citizens affected by similar issues and those without recourse to public funds during the pandemic.

Asked the Home Secretary to confirm that the £500,000 fund for grassroots organisations would be directed towards those groups and requested details of the schemes so MPs could direct their constituents appropriately.

Confirmed that a £500,000 fund will be made available for grassroots organisations to promote Windrush schemes. She pledged to publish details soon of how MPs and their constituents can benefit from the outreach efforts.

Emphasised the low take-up of compensation due to a serious dent in trust towards the Home Office and Government caused by events related to the Windrush scandal. She urged the Home Secretary to review policies, especially those concerning deportations.

Acknowledged the breach of trust and the need for a considerable time to repair it. She committed to reviewing leadership and cultural change within the Home Office as part of addressing this issue.

Asked if the Home Secretary had ever experienced institutional racism at the Home Office.

Addressed the issue of institutional racism, stating that people leave home every day knowing they could be treated differently due to their background. She called for more societal effort in treating everyone equally and addressing issues of racism at all levels.

Welcomed the Home Secretary’s statement and report, urging her to mend the breach of trust with everything she can do. He asked for assurances that the Windrush generation would be treated with respect.

Thanked Matt Rodda for his tone and points, urging all colleagues to look at the review and its recommendations. She emphasised putting people before process.

Asked for assurance that there would be no cap on compensation awarded under the Windrush scheme.

Reiterated that there is no cap on the compensation scheme and encouraged colleagues to bring forward cases of claimants in their constituencies to ensure they receive full compensation.

Asked for a guarantee that personal information from the NHS would not be shared with the Home Office for immigration purposes during the ongoing pandemic.

Confirmed that individuals involved in the Windrush review will have access to public services and funds as described. She emphasised no issue would arise from this with respect to NHS access during the pandemic.

Stressed that Windrush citizens should not have been caught up in the immigration system. She asked for assurances that the hostile environment would be abolished, that delays, neglect, discrimination, and stereotyping in Home Office processes would cease, and that the immigration system would become welcoming.

Acknowledged Wendy Williams' review and described a set of measures evolving under multiple Governments. She committed to undertaking work to look at the recommendations and reviewing policies related to the compliant environment and cultural change.

Asked if the Home Secretary understood the profound breach of trust stemming from the Windrush scandal, inquired about charter flights, praised the Black Cultural Archives for their support to Windrush citizens, and requested confirmation that they would be funded.

Ms. Patel acknowledged the work done with members of the Windrush generation, the advisory group and the compensation group to understand issues and challenges. She announced a £500,000 grassroots fund for supporting members of the Windrush generation and others affected by policies. She also clarified that there were no individuals from the Windrush generation on the recent deportation flight.

Ms. Greenwood asked if research will be extended to include those from Commonwealth countries outside the Caribbean and ensure sufficient resources are available for timely work.

Ms. Patel stated that she would look into every recommendation by Wendy Williams and work on their delivery.

Mr. Timms raised the issue of over 30,000 overseas students losing visas due to accusations from ETS about cheating in TOEIC tests, which were mostly unfounded, and asked for an affordable route to clear their names.

Ms. Patel agreed to look into the matter raised by Mr. Timms regarding overseas students losing visas and assured him she would take it away.