Government updates MPs on Windrush compensation scheme

According to the Government, the Windrush compensation scheme will "build on the measures already introduced by the government to right the wrongs experienced by members of the Windrush generation".

The 'Windrush generation' refers to those who migrated to the United Kingdom from the Commonwealth through the 1950s and 1960s. As laws have changed in the past few decades, some long-term residents have found themselves unable to provide sufficient evidence of their status and eligibility for employment and services in the UK.

In his statement, the Home Secretary told MPs:

"The UK has a proud history of welcoming arrivals from around the world... and we have all benefited as a result."

The Home Secretary stressed that the Windrush scandal should never have happened and was a moment of "profound regret" for both himself and his Government. He ended the statement by apologising to all those affected by the Windrush scandal and vowing to "right the wrongs" done to them.

The statement was responded to by Diane Abbott, Shadow Home Secretary, who accused the Government of being slow to act and argued that;

"some Members of Parliament have deliberately muddied the waters by talk of illegal immigrants."

Dianne Abbott put questions to the Home Secretary on the Windrush compensation scheme and the Hardship Fund.

• Watch Parliament TV: statement on Windrush compensation scheme
• Read Commons Hansard: statement on Windrush compensation scheme

Image: PA/PA Wire

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