Southwark Liberal Democrats call for justice for Windrush victims and all those affected by the hostile environment

Southwark Liberal Democrats call for justice for Windrush victims and all those affected by the hostile environment

Southwark Liberal Democrats are set to pass a motion at next week's Council Assembly calling for urgent action to secure justice for people still waiting for compensation after the Windrush scandal and the wider impact of the Government's hostile environment policies.

The motion highlights how many people who were lawfully resident in the UK lost jobs, homes, access to healthcare, educational opportunities and, in some cases, were wrongly detained or removed. Despite the Windrush Compensation Scheme being established in 2019, many claims remain unresolved.

With half of all residents being from a Black, Asian, Mixed, or other minority ethnic background, it's understood that Southwark’s residents are therefore disproportionately likely to have been affected by the Windrush scandal and any failings in the subsequent compensation scheme.

The Liberal Democrat motion calls on the Home Secretary to clear outstanding claims, improve transparency around the compensation scheme, expand outreach to affected communities, and review whether all groups harmed by the hostile environment have received fair access to redress.

The motion also asks Southwark Council to work with community organisations and advice agencies to raise awareness of the scheme and support potentially eligible residents in the borough.

Cllr Rachel Bentley, Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Inclusive Economy, Equalities, and Democracy who is moving the motion said:

"The Windrush scandal was a grave injustice, and for too many people that injustice is still continuing today. Years after the compensation scheme was launched, many victims are still waiting for the support and recognition they deserve. 

Southwark is proud of its diverse communities and their considerable contributions to our borough, city and country. 

We're calling for action to ensure everyone affected gets the justice they've been denied for far too long."