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‘Treatment of Windrush generation as second-class citizens is a disgrace’
Bristol West MP Thangam Debbonaire has slammed the treatment of the Windrush generation by the Home Office as “disgraceful”.
This comes as Amber Rudd has been forced to apologise to Commonwealth citizens who have lived, worked and contributed in Britain for decades, but have been left fearing the threat of deportation by the Government.
The Home Secretary has now said she is setting up a dedicated task force to help the people who came to Britain 70 years ago – many under their parents’ passports – process documentation, proving their right to stay.
is needed now More than ever
The partial change of heart by the Government comes in the wake of mounting public pressure – a petition launched in Bristol, demanding that Commonwealth citizens are granted immigration amnesty, was signed by more than 18,000 people.
Debbonaire joined colleagues in challenging the Home Secretary on the treatment of the Windrush generation in Parliament on Monday.
In response, Rudd said that the Home Office is here to help, adding that members of the community need to engage with the Government in gathering the information needed.
Speaking afterwards, the Bristol West MP said: “Since Caribbean people started moving to the UK in the late 1940s, they have made a huge contribution to the UK’s economic and cultural life. Their presence has particularly enriched Bristol.
“So I find it particularly disgraceful that some Afro-Caribbean elders in my constituency are being treated like second-class citizens, accused of being in the UK illegally after living here for many decades. As a result, some are being threatened with deportation.
“Others may unfairly lose their jobs, or be denied access to medical treatment, housing and benefits.
“They have been living here and working for many years, as valuable members of the community. In many cases, the state willingly accepted their contributions over a lifetime of paying taxes and national insurance, but they suddenly hit problems when they reach retirement age and claim a state pension.
“The problem is a result of the Government’s hostile environment policy, which requires employers, landlords and others to carry out documentary checks to confirm whether an individual has the right to be in the UK.”
She questioned why the onus should be on citizens to prove their right to reside in the UK and suggested the burden of proof should rest with the Home Office.
Cleo Lake is campaigning for reparatory justice for those affected
Cleo Lake, a Green councillor for Cotham and petition organiser, says it is important reparatory justice is sought for those affected by the Home Office threats.
She has launched a new petition calling on the Government to review cases of people who have been deported already and also compensate those who had their status called into question.
Read more: ‘Grant UK immigration amnesty to Commonwealth citizens’
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