Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Windrush Day 2020

23 June 2020 · 4 other contributors

Opened by Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood

ImmigrationMigrants & Borders

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Helen Hayes raised concerns about windrush day 2020 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • MP paid tribute to the Empire Windrush on its 70th anniversary, noting the contributions of the Windrush generation in Brixton and elsewhere.
  • Minister welcomed the establishment of a new cross-Government Windrush working group and acknowledged the Home Secretary's acceptance of Wendy Williams' recommendations.
  • Minister highlighted plans for a permanent monument at Waterloo station to commemorate the Windrush generation's contributions.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood

The MP paid tribute to the Empire Windrush, celebrating its 70th anniversary and highlighting the enduring contributions of the Windrush generation. She noted that many original passengers settled in Brixton, where they established businesses and churches. The speech emphasised the hardship and racism faced by these individuals despite their significant contributions to society. Helen Hayes also highlighted the ongoing issues such as the slow progress of the compensation scheme for victims of the Windrush scandal and called for urgent action to address structural racism and health inequalities.

Other contributors (4)
  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    The hon. Gentleman raised concerns about the slow progress of compensation claims under the £200 million fund, highlighting that only 36 people had received money two years after Windrush Day was established.

  • Matt Western Lab Derby North

    The hon. Friend highlighted the significant contribution of the Windrush generation in rebuilding Britain post-war and underscored the need for urgent action on compensation claims.

  • Ruth Jones Lab Newport West

    The hon. Friend stressed that to show genuine support, the Government must urgently address the injustice of the Windrush scandal by providing prompt compensation and addressing structural racism.

  • Steven Baker Con Wycombe

    The hon. Gentleman acknowledged some progress on implementing the Lammy review recommendations but noted that public confidence remains low due to ongoing issues faced by BAME communities.

Government Response

Luke Hall

The Minister welcomed the establishment of a new cross-Government Windrush working group and acknowledged the Home Secretary's acceptance of Wendy Williams' recommendations. He highlighted that over £360,000 has been awarded through the compensation scheme so far. The Minister also discussed plans for a permanent monument at Waterloo station to commemorate the Windrush generation's contributions. He emphasised the need to address structural racism and health inequalities affecting BAME communities during the pandemic, noting ongoing efforts such as Professor Fenton’s review on the impact of covid-19 on black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. The Minister committed to further work through a new cross-party commission on race and ethnic disparities to understand why disparities exist and what can be done about them.

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