A Special Message From Patrick Vernon for Windrush Day 2025

This Sunday, 22 June, marks 77 years since HMT Empire Windrush docked at Tilbury in 1948, a historic moment that symbolises the beginning of a new chapter in Britain’s migration story.

To honour this legacy, Professor Patrick Vernon OBE FrHistS shared a personal and powerful reflection on the enduring significance of Windrush Day, especially in the context of the National Health Service (NHS).

In this message, Professor Vernon reminds us that the Windrush story is not just about a single ship or a single moment. It represents a wider history of migration from the Caribbean, Africa, and across the Commonwealth that helped shape modern Britain. Just two weeks after the Empire Windrush arrived, the NHS was officially founded. Ever since, Black and other migrant communities have been at the very heart of its workforce.

The NHS is now the largest employer of four generations of Windrush descendants, as well as other migrant groups. Their contributions span across all areas- from doctors, nurses, and support staff to those delivering community-based services. These individuals have been central not only to the functioning of the health service but to the very fabric of British society.

Professor Vernon shared his own family’s connection: his parents came to the UK from Jamaica in the 1950s and settled in Wolverhampton. His mother worked in the NHS as a hospital cook, and several other members of his family have also served in various roles. Their story is one of millions, forming a legacy of care, resilience, and public service that continues to this day.

In addition to his personal ties, Vernon has played a leading role in advocating for the national recognition of Windrush Day, a campaign that culminated in its official adoption in 2018, during the Windrush scandal. For him, this day is both deeply personal and powerfully political. It is a time to remember, honour, and educate future generations about the vital role migrant communities have played and continue to play in the NHS and beyond.

As Windrush Day is marked across the UK, it is a moment to reflect on the past, recognise the present, and recommit to a more inclusive future.

To watch the full video, click:  here