Patrick Vernon

Windrush Scandal: When your own government wants to deport you

On this episode of The InnerView, Patrick Vernon joins Imran Garda to discuss the Windrush Scandal, and how the UK government has been making up for letting down a generation. Vernon, a British cultural historian, filmmaker, and campaigner, has become one of the most prominent voices in the fight for justice for the Windrush generation, Caribbean migrants who came to rebuild Britain after World War II, only to be betrayed decades later by hostile immigration policies.

Who Were the Windrush Generation?

After World War II, Britain faced severe labour shortages and turned to its colonies for help. The 1948 British Nationality Act granted citizens from the Caribbean, Africa, India, and other Commonwealth nations the right to come to the UK. Many responded to what was seen as a call from the “mother country.” Among them were thousands from the Caribbean, who became known as the Windrush generation, named after the ship HMT Empire Windrush, which docked in Tilbury in June 1948.

These men and women worked in hospitals, on transport systems, in factories, and in schools. They rebuilt Britain’s post-war society, laying the foundations for modern multicultural Britain. Yet, despite their contributions, they often faced racism, housing discrimination, and hostility.

The Windrush Scandal

Decades later, beginning around 2010, a new “hostile environment” immigration policy under successive governments turned against these very communities. Many Windrush descendants who had arrived in Britain legally as children and lived there for decades were suddenly labelled as “illegal immigrants.” Lacking formal paperwork or passports, they were denied healthcare, jobs, housing, and even citizenship. Some were detained or deported to countries they barely knew.

By 2017, media investigations revealed the depth of the injustice, sparking outrage. It became known as the Windrush scandal, a betrayal of trust that exposed systemic racism at the heart of government policy.

Patrick Vernon’s Campaign for Justice

Patrick Vernon, himself of Jamaican heritage, was at the forefront of the campaign to secure justice for Windrush victims. He launched petitions, pressured government officials, and worked alongside community groups and Caribbean diplomats. His efforts helped bring about formal apologies, the establishment of a Windrush Task Force, and a compensation scheme.

But as Vernon has often pointed out, apologies and money are not enough. Many victims lost homes, jobs, and decades of their lives. Some died waiting for compensation. The destruction of key records by the Home Office, the slow pace of claims, and ongoing mistrust continue to fuel anger. Vernon argues that the scheme should be run independently, outside of the very institution responsible for the harm.

Windrush Day and Cultural Recognition

Beyond compensation, Vernon has also pushed for cultural recognition. He was central in the campaign to establish Windrush Day, now marked annually on 22 June to honour the arrival of the Empire Windrush and the contributions of Caribbean migrants. For Vernon, Windrush Day is not just a commemoration but a reminder of resilience, belonging, and Britain’s intertwined histories with the Caribbean.

Looking Ahead: Why Windrush Matters

For Patrick Vernon, the Windrush story is not just about the past, it is about Britain’s present and future. He insists that tackling structural discrimination, ensuring fair access to housing and jobs, and fostering a sense of belonging for younger generations of migrants is crucial. “You can’t have your cake and eat it,” he says, reminding Britain that it celebrates Caribbean music, food, fashion, and cultural vibrancy, yet still struggles to embrace the communities who created them.

As Vernon looks to the future, he hopes for a Britain at ease with itself—a country that embraces migration as a force of strength, not division. His vision is clear: a society where the descendants of the Windrush generation, and all migrant communities, feel valued as integral to the nation’s fabric.

Patrick Vernon stands as a tireless advocate for justice, truth, and cultural recognition. His work reminds us that the Windrush scandal is not only a moment of shame in Britain’s history but also a lesson about resilience, activism, and the ongoing struggle for equality. Through his voice and vision, the contributions of the Windrush generation will not be forgotten and their fight for justice continues to shape Britain’s conscience today.