Honour Windrush: Open Letter From Black & Asian Britain

Jun 1, 2026 - 13:55

SIGNATURE DEADLINE: Friday 5th June 2026 at 6pm Fix Britain's Broken Promise to the Windrush Generation
We, the undersigned British Black and Asian artists, actors, athletes, and public figures, stand with the Windrush Justice Community Collective in demanding a complete reset of the Windrush Redress Schemes.

Unlike the Post Office Horizon and Infected Blood scandal schemes - Windrush survivors are denied government-funded legal assistance. This fatal flaw means more than half of all Windrush claimants have been awarded nothing, while only one third have received compensation. One claimant applied alone and was awarded nothing. He appealed with pro bono legal help and received £295,000.

This injustice does not only affect Caribbean elders. It harms South Asian and West African communities too - and even affects the citizenship status of babies born in Britain today. Last year, an 81-year-old British citizen with serious health issues was denied re-entry into Britain for four months, despite living in the UK for 60 years. The Home Office continues to harm Black and Asian British citizens.

We are alarmed that the promised changes have not yet been delivered. Over 60 people have already died waiting for compensation. Each subsequent month of delay costs more lives. Inspired by the solidarity shown by Hillsborough and Grenfell families, we will not stay silent.

We call on the Prime Minister and Home Secretary to take four urgent steps:

Remove the Compensation Scheme from Home Office control and establish an independent Windrush Redress Authority
Guarantee free, independent legal advice and representation for all Windrush victims and surviving family members.
Launch a binding public inquiry into the ongoing Windrush injustice co-designed with affected communities.
Grant all survivors and their British-based families, their preference of British citizenship or indefinite leave to remain status.