Lords debates the Windrush scandal and compensation scheme

Debate

Baroness Benjamin (Liberal Democrats), broadcaster and former chair of the Windrush Commemoration Committee, put forward the debate.

This was a general debate. During debates, members put their experience to good use to discuss current issues and draw the government's attention to concerns.     

Members speaking

Members speaking in the debate included:

• Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth (Conservative), former professor of law
• Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede (Labour), Lords shadow spokesperson for home affairs
• Lord Hastings of Scarisbrick (Crossbench), former commissioner for racial equality
• Lord Woolley of Woodford (Crossbench), founder and director of Operation Black Vote.

Opening the debate, Baroness Benjamin said:

'The Windrush generation should be defined not by the scandal but by the enormous contribution they have made to Britain…The Home Office scandal caused by the hostile environment policy resulted in untold harm to the hard-working people of the Windrush generation.'

Lord Sharpe of Epsom (Conservative), Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Home Office, responded on behalf of the government:

'We cannot turn back the clock, but we can strain every sinew to provide the people affected with the help they need and the compensation they deserve, while ensuring that the failings that happened previously can never be repeated.'

Catch up

Watch and read the debate

Watch on Parliament TV or read the Lords Hansard transcript.

Explore background information

Find out more about the issues the debate covers in the House of Lords Library briefing.

Learn more about how the House of Lords checks and challenges government.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons