NASUWT General Secretary Dr Patrick Roach reflects on the legacy and continuing impact of the Windrush generation as the country marks Windrush Day.
The arrival of the ship HMT Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks in 1948, bringing more than 800 passengers from the Caribbean is a moment that defined modern Britain. So many who made huge sacrifices to bring their skills, talents, creativity, artisanship, dedication and passion to the UK and who helped redefine what it means to be British. They deserve to be remembered and honoured.
But, their arrival did not mark the start of the Black presence in the UK. Black people were here before the Romans came. However, the uneasy relationship with those who came to the UK to build and deliver our public services, including our NHS which also celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, and who have contributed so much to our national economic prosperity, must be central to our reflections and deliberations today as we celebrate Windrush 75.
It is thanks to the tireless campaigning of the Black community over many years that we mark Windrush Day. But, we should also remember that the Windrush generation and their children and grandchildren faced, and continue to face, prejudice, hostility and discrimination, and were badly treated by government that questioned their right to be here. The Home Office scandal (the scandal was the actions of the Government and not the actions of those who came to the UK) saw many of those who devoted their lives to our country stripped of their UK citizenship, losing their jobs, homes, livelihoods, deported and threatened with deportation. The hostile environment endured by those who were educated to see Britain as their “Mother country” was appalling, and has been a defining experience for so many.
And, that hostile environment continues today. The Windrush Compensation Scheme has added insult to the many injuries suffered by those who dedicated their lives to this country. Despite warm words from some politicians, the Government has failed to keep its promise to provide the redress and reparation that those who were treated deserved. One of the tragic consequences of the scheme is that many who were eligible have now passed away with no redress, justice or acknowledgement of their contributions to building a modern Britain. And, the threat of deportations continues for many of the children of those whose parents came to these shores between the 1940s and 1970s.
Today, it might be argued that we are witnessing history being repeated as the Government once again reaches out in desperation to other countries to invite talented teachers, nurses, doctors, scientists and others to come to the UK to assist the country’s economic recovery, whilst in the same breath using anti-immigration language which has chilling echoes of Enoch Powell’s infamous speech in April 1968.
Windrush 75 should be a moment for national reflection where we tell the story in our schools and beyond of the generation who helped build modern Britain. But, this must also be an opportunity to dedicate ourselves as a country to do better and to treat better those who come to our shores from overseas, regardless of the circumstances. It must be a time for us to demonstrate our shared values and stand together, united, against searing injustices wherever they exist, and always to demand better.
