Windrush Memorial Anchor Campaign Raised in House of Commons Debate

On 16 June 2025, a debate on Windrush Day was held in the House of Commons, secured by Helen Hayes MP.

The MP also mentioned a campaign that I am proud to be a part of alongside four other people – a national initiative to retrieve the anchor of the Empire Windrush from the bottom of the Mediterranean, so it may serve as a lasting memorial and educational symbol for future generations.

The debate included reference to the Windrush Memorial Anchor Foundation, a national campaign to recover the anchor of the HMT Empire Windrush from the Mediterranean Sea.

The campaign team includes:

• Patrick Vernon OBE – Campaign Lead

• Reverend Michael King – Son of Sam King, Windrush passenger and first Black Mayor of Southwark

• Marie van der Zyl – President, Board of Deputies of British Jews

• David Mearns OAM – Director, Blue Water Recoveries Ltd

The late Julian Clark, former Vice President and Senior Legal Advisor at Gard (UK) Ltd, played a key role in the formation of the initiative.

Our aim is simple but profound: to retrieve and restore the Empire Windrush’s anchor – not just as a historical object, but as a powerful reminder of migration, contribution and the unfinished work of justice.