Independent: Government failures denounced at vigil marking anniversary of Windrush scandal
Government failures denounced at vigil marking anniversary of Windrush scandal
The government has been urged to quickly pay compensation to all the Windrush generation victims at a rally commemorating the scandal’s sixth anniversary.
Several speakers addressed the public event in Windrush Square, Brixton, in South London, including immigration lawyer Jacqueline McKenzie, Bishop Desmond Jaddoo, campaigner Glenda Caesar, activist Patrick Vernon, Black Cultural Archives chair Lisa Anderson, and church leaders.
Candles were also lit as part of a vigil, attended by more than 50 people, held in remembrance of Windrush pioneers and people who have died since the scandal erupted, as spoken word poetry and prayers were delivered.
Jacqueline McKenzie, who has worked with more than 400 Windrush victims, said progress is being made through successful Windrush Compensation Scheme claims, though the Home Office has a lot more to do, while the lengthy application process remains complex, the system is fraught with delays and a number of applicants die without resolution.
“We’re seeing some good outcomes but there’s still some issues such as major delays and people dying because it’s an elderly cohort,” she told The Independent.
The partner and head of immigration and asylum law at the firm Leigh Day also said solicitors are battling against a perfect storm of misinformation around eligibility and Home Office failures to effectively engage with all affected communities about their rights.