At the end of WW2, Britain having lost so many people of working age, turned to West Indies to recruit hard working, fit, able and willing people to come to Britain to rebuilt country’s war-torn infrastructure. The recruitment started in 1948 and by 1955, some half a million people landed on the British shore. The first ship to dock with some of these workers, was MV Empire Windrush, hence they are known as “Windrush Generation”.
In 2014, the government started the drive to reduce net immigration and removing, deporting anyone who could not prove that they have the right to remain in this country. As a result, many who could not provide legal documents to prove that they are British and have a right to live here, were issued with notices, some were detained and few may have been illegally deported. They were let in without issuing proper documents. Then Home Office destroyed their “Landing Cards” in 2010, one document that could prove they are British citizens indeed. Labour’s David Lammy who raised the matter, calling it a “Day of National shame”. Home Secretary Amber Rudd, to her credit admitted that members of Windrush Generation have been badly treated and some may have been deported, although they have been in the country for decades, worked and paid their taxes. Some lost their employment and others were denied medical care under NHS. She has formed a task force of twenty civil servants’ who would deal with paper-work and all cases will be dealt-with within two weeks, even fee of £229 will be waved.
PM who apologized and had cordial meeting with delegates from twelve West Indies nations, who are attending “Heads of Commonwealth” meeting. These so called Windrush Generation are people who rebuilt Britain and deserve respect and fair treatment.
Bhupendra M. Gandhi
By email
