Floella Benjamin hits out at government’s ‘disrespect’ of Windrush generation

Baroness Floella Benjamin has appealed to the prime minister to address the “complete lack of respect” for the Windrush generation as the government u-turns on key reform pledges.

Last week, Suella Braverman confirmed her decision to drop commitments to improvements after a scathing independent review into how the Windrush scandal unfolded within the Home Office, sparking a torrent of backlash over this “cruel” move.

The Home Secretary has axed pledges to establish a migrants’ commissioner, increase the powers of the independent chief inspector of borders and immigration and hold reconciliation events.

In a letter to prime minister Rishi Sunak, Baroness Benjamin, the iconic television presenter and Lib Dem peer, said: “The latest situation has increased the burden of trauma on the many dignified people who have suffered injustices, some as you know have even paid with their lives.”

“The creation of the National Windrush monument and Windrush Day were meant to build bridges, but now hopes have been dashed,” Baroness Benjamin, who was involved in the monument’s June 2022 unveiling as chair of the Windrush Commemoration Committee, added.

The peer also suggested by that Mr Sunak meets with victims of the Windrush Scandal and “ hear first-hand how let-down they feel by this development which comes on top of the still unresolved compensation scheme”, as well as publically address the u-turn in parliament.

“You have said the well-being of everyone in society is important to you. I hope this includes the Caribbean community,” she said.

Baroness Benjamin wrote to Mr Sunak earlier this month following initial indications that the pledges were to be scrapped but says she didn’t receive a reply, hence the decision to send follow-up correspondence.

The Windrush scandal erupted in 2018 when British citizens, mostly from the Caribbean, were wrongly detained, deported or threatened with deportation, despite having the right to live in Britain.

Many lost homes and jobs, and were denied access to healthcare and benefits. Some died overseas after being wrongly deported.

When approached by The Independent about Baroness Benjamin’s letter, a government spokesperson said: “We remain absolutely committed to righting the wrongs of Windrush and have paid or offered more than £64 million in compensation to the people affected.

“We are making progress towards the vast majority of recommendations from Wendy Williams’ report, and believe there are more meaningful ways of achieving the intent of a very small number of others.

“Through this work, we will make sure that similar injustices can never be repeated and are creating a Home Office worthy of every community it serves.”

Campaigners and victims of the Windrush Scandal have told The Independent that the government’s compensation scheme is “not fit for purpose”, as new figures show rejections for payouts have soared while offers have plunged.