Windrush Day 2025 2025-06-16

Acknowledges the contributions of King’s College hospital staff in Helen Hayes’ constituency. Mentions the statue of Mary Seacole at St Thomas' hospital, highlighting the invaluable role of Windrush pioneers.

Brings up the experience of black children in education and refers to Eric Huntley, a constituent who established Bogle-L’Ouverture Publications Bookshop and the Black Parents Movement. Emphasises ongoing efforts needed for fair treatment and education for black children.

Queries whether descendants of those deemed emotionally subnormal should receive an apology to acknowledge their experiences from that time period.

Acknowledges the strength and resilience of the Windrush generation, highlighting how they often get overlooked despite enduring significant hardships.

Highlights the structural racism that ties colonialism to current experiences, questioning if looking at this discrimination is seen as unfashionable in today's discourse.

Creasy agreed with Hayes on the importance of fairness in compensation schemes. She expressed horror at evidence showing unequal payments for victims and emphasised the need to right this wrong.

Johnson celebrated the contributions of the Windrush generation to Liverpool, calling for swifter action on fixing the compensation scheme. He highlighted the bureaucratic nature of claims and called for adapting recommendations from the Williams review, rebuilding trust with black Caribbean communities, and reconsidering immigration policies.

Ribeiro-Addy congratulated Hayes on securing the debate and highlighted the importance of recognising the Windrush legacy in her constituency. She emphasised the contributions made by the Windrush generation to society and acknowledged the ongoing struggle for justice.

Uppal highlighted the importance of celebrating the legacy of the Windrush generation in Huddersfield. She mentioned local events and cultural contributions such as the Deighton carnival, Venn Street’s reggae scene, and the Windrush wise words project. She also raised concerns about access to the compensation scheme and advocated for better support from the Home Office.

Highlighted personal connection to Brixton, celebrating its diversity and significance of Windrush Square. Mentioned death cases due to delayed compensation during the Windrush scandal. Advocated for faster compensation schemes and urged government outreach to victims. Called for caution in reviewing citizenship policies to avoid entrenching inequalities.

Touched on personal history and complex nature of racial issues, referring to ancestors' experiences with slavery and the Windrush scandal. Criticised previous Conservative reports dismissing structural racism. Emphasised the importance of acknowledging historical complexities rather than romanticising past events.

My Brent East constituency is one of the most diverse in Europe. Many Windrush individuals served in WWII, and they deserve recognition from their mother country. The Windrush scandal involved loss of employment, benefits, housing, healthcare, education, and progress due to discriminatory policies. The scheme was overly complex and needed legal advice, and only 2,000 have claimed compensation out of over 50,000 affected individuals because of shame and pride in the West Indian community. Labour values must be implemented to address this injustice.

Windrush generation members like Professor Mel Chevannes helped shape Britain's social fabric through their service and leadership. The Windrush scandal inflicted deep harm on many, exemplified by Paulette Wilson who faced deportation but fought back with support from her MP and community organisations. The Labour Government is taking steps to deliver justice with a £1.5 million advocacy fund, re-establishing the Windrush unit, and recruiting a commissioner for victims' voices.

The Caribbean and broader black-British communities have made significant contributions to British society, including in healthcare and cultural development. The Windrush scandal highlights ongoing issues of prejudice, discrimination, and inequality. Liberal Democrats are committed to fighting for racial equality and will continue pushing the Government to implement justice for Windrush victims.

Gratefully acknowledged the concerns raised about indefinite leave to remain reforms. Urged the Government to value new arrivals' contributions and highlighted the Liberal Democrats’ commitment to righting wrongs against the Windrush generation, including urgent implementation of a lessons-learned review and an independent compensation scheme.

Expressed gratitude for the Windrush scheme in Northern Ireland and highlighted its enabling impact on people's lives. Mentioned disproportionate use of stop and search, advocating for careful examination of live facial recognition technology.

Acknowledged the importance of recognising when the state fails its citizens in relation to Windrush. Emphasised compensation efforts with over £100 million granted, and noted ongoing support for community-led initiatives celebrating the Windrush generation.

Welcomes the Windrush Museum and asks if there could be an emancipation educational trust where we can talk about injustice of Windrush as well as slavery.

Contribution not fully detailed in the given text but supportive of the debate and acknowledges the impact of the Windrush generation on British society.

Thanked Members who contributed to the debate. Noted contributions from various areas of the country reflecting on the Windrush generation's importance. Criticised the shadow minister for not acknowledging faults in the Windrush compensation scheme. Highlighted issues faced by constituents engaging with the compensation process due to high proof threshold and complexity. Reiterated commitment to addressing past wrongs. Emphasised the need for joyous, meaningful celebrations that foster friendship, acceptance, and togetherness while combating racism and injustice.