We must ensure the Windrush Scandal can never happen again

The Windrush Scandal laid bare the horrifying cruelty of the Conservatives' Hostile Environment.

People who have every right to live in the UK were wrongly denied access to NHS treatment, housing and other services simply because they don't have the right documents to prove it. Many were wrongfully detained and even deported. The way the Government has treated the Windrush Generation - as well as other immigrants and people from BAME backgrounds - is shameful. It is the direct consequence of cruel, discriminatory policies and the toxic culture at the Home Office. Both of those must change.

The Government owes it to the victims of the Windrush Scandal to ensure that nothing like it can happen again, and that cannot happen without a transparent and honest assessment of the Home Office's policies and practices. The Government must introduce compassion and common sense into our immigration system. That means making detention an absolute last resort, with a time limit and an end to the detention of vulnerable people. And it means ending automatic deportations - and stopping altogether the practice of deporting people who came to the UK as children to countries they have never known.

Liberal Democrats celebrate those who choose to come to the UK to work, study or join their families for the enormous contributions they make to our society, our economy and our communities.

Windrush Day - 22nd June 2020

Windrush Day was introduced in 2018, on the 70th anniversary of the landing of the first Caribbean migrants, for the purpose of "encouraging communities across the country to celebrate the contribution of the Windrush Generation and their descendants," according to the UK government. Backed by government funding, the day features a large variety of activities, including dance performances, exhibitions, and debates.

In Chesterfield we would like to thank the members of the African Carribean Community Association for their contribution to the social and economic enrichment of the Borough.