A co-founder of Windrush Day has called for a public inquiry into the scandal during this year’s “bittersweet” celebrations of Black Britons and their contributions to national life. Patrick Vernon, who campaigned for the national day for nearly a decade before the government officially recognized it, believes that the mistreatment, detention, and removal of Black Britons wrongly accused of being in the UK illegally have not been taken seriously enough.
Unlike the Post Office and infected blood scandals, which both had public inquiries, Windrush was the subject of an independent review. While this can recommend improvements, it lacks the power, scope, and formal authority of a statutory public inquiry. Windrush Day 2025, which marks the 77th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush, is slated for Sunday.
The Empire Windrush brought passengers, including ex-servicemen, from the West Indies to the UK, marking the first of tens of thousands of workers from former British colonies who played a crucial role in rebuilding Britain after World War II. A minute’s silence will be held during this year’s celebrations to honor the pioneers of the generation who have passed away, including two passengers of the Empire Windrush, Alford Gardner and John Richards.
Vernon highlighted the passing of significant figures within the Windrush community, such as Lord Herman Ouseley, Sir Geoff Palmer, Nellie Brown, and Clover Samuels, and emphasized the importance of their stories being included in the national curriculum and through oral histories. He argued for a judge-led, independent inquiry with access to all documents and the power to subpoena individuals, citing the compensation scheme and its shortcomings as reasons for his call.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the Windrush scandal as a “devastating injustice” at a Downing Street garden party to celebrate Windrush Day, acknowledging that justice for victims has not been delivered. The Home Office has appointed Rev Clive Foster as Windrush commissioner to advise on improving the compensation scheme, emphasizing its commitment to listening to victims.
Windrush Day events across the country include a Caribbean festival in Alexandra Park, Manchester; the Big Caribbean Lunch in Windrush Square, Brixton; a performance in Bristol about Black Second World War veterans; and former footballers Gary Bennett, Howard Gayle, and Reuben Agboola meeting supporters at the Fans Museum, Sunderland.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jun/22/campaigner-calls-for-judge-led-public-inquiry-into-windrush-scandal
