Minister Seema Malhotra writes for the Mirror about the ‘pain, suffering and loss’ of the Windrush generation as she sets out how Labour will ‘reset’ the Government’s response
The Home Office’s treatment of the Windrush generation shamed our country. A country in which many helped rebuild and make their home after the Second World War. We heard first-hand about the trauma, anguish, and uncertainty so many in the Windrush community had to endure. For too long, the Windrush generation and wider Commonwealth communities have been let down and that is why it is paramount we deliver that change.
This government knows no amount of apologising can reverse what has happened, but victims of the Windrush scandal must know that their voices are heard and that systemic changes will be made. That is why we have set out our first steps to fundamentally re-set the government’s response to Windrush and it will form a key part of the Home Office’s mission.
We will deliver on our manifesto commitment to appoint a new Windrush Commissioner – an independent advocate for all those affected, and they will drive forward improvements and lasting change.
Financial compensation cannot make up for the pain, suffering and loss many have experienced, but it is right those who are eligible receive what they deserve. The fact that there are those still waiting for the compensation they may be owed is unacceptable.
We have heard and understand the frustration within communities that the application process is too complicated and, for many, traumatising. That is why we are allocating £1.5million in government grant funding, which will be used to increase advocacy support for victims applying for the Windrush Compensation Scheme.
Our determination for change cannot end there. We have re-established the Windrush Unit in the Home Office, which was disbanded under the previous government in July last year, dedicated to driving forward the action needed. The Unit will embed lasting cultural change across the department, to ensure what happened to the Windrush generation can never happen again, to any part of our society.
The scandal and the enduring injustice have fragmented trust between government, the Windrush generation and wider Commonwealth communities – this deeply saddens me. In government we will endeavour to rebuild that trust and right the wrongs of the past. Our approach will include greater engagement with victims and communities. Government must listen, and it must learn.
And we are already listening. On Thursday at the Black Cultural Archives in London, the Home Secretary hosted a roundtable with a number of stakeholders who continue to fight for justice for victims, to reiterate our commitments and to start what we hope will be an enduring and constructive relationship in the interests of Windrush communities. Last month I had the privilege of visiting the National Windrush Museum where I learned about their work to collect and preserve the stories of the Windrush generation, which is not only inspiring but vital to educate future generations. On Friday I am honoured to be speaking as the Minister for Migration and Citizenship at the Windrush National Organisation’s third annual conference.
We must continue to hear from victims so we can invite challenge and truly listen. We will continue to meet communities and stakeholders and, in the future, we will host reconciliation events, which will be delivered with the full respect for the hurt that many have endured. We must truly listen, invite challenge and reflect, so such injustices never happen again.
To the Windrush generation directly – I will endeavour to drive forward change so you receive the respect and justice you deserve from your government. I hear and understand your anger and I will work with you to ensure we bring the change that is overdue.
