Hackney hosts launch for Office of the Windrush Commissioner
Hackney Council hosted the launch of the Office of the Windrush Commissioner, which aims to deliver justice to those affected by the Windrush Scandal.
On Wednesday 16 July Hackney hosted the launch of the Office of the Windrush Commissioner to introduce the new Windrush Commissioner Reverend Clive Foster MBE. The appointment marks the beginning of a national listening tour for the Commissioner, which aims to rebuild trust with the Windrush generation and its descendents through meaningful dialogue and reconciliation.
Caroline Woodley, Mayor of Hackney, and Cllr Carole Williams, Hackney’s Cabinet Lead for Windrush, were joined by the Commissioner, Minister Seema Malhotra, Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Deputy Mayor of London, plus community and council leaders, to discuss the role of the Commissioner in honouring the legacy of Windrush and ensuring justice for those affected by the Windrush Scandal.
In August 2018, Hackney became the first local authority in the UK to pass a comprehensive motion regarding the Windrush Generation, pledging to oppose the criminalisation of Windrush families, calling for an end to the ‘hostile environment’ policies and for support for those who have been affected by them. The following year, Cllr Carole Williams, was named as the country's first ever Lead Member for Windrush.
Since then, Hackney has provided direct support for residents who need advice and support with understanding and applying for the Windrush Compensation Scheme, working with local community partners and legal advice providers. Alongside this, Hackney has continued to make the case for change at a national level, responding to government consultation and writing to Secretaries of State to demand an end to the hostile environment and a full implementation of the Williams’ Review recommendations in response to the Windrush scandal.
In October 2021 the UK’s first public, permanent artwork to honour the Windrush Generation was also unveiled in Hackney as part of the Council’s commitment to support the Windrush Generation and its descendants and recognise their significant contribution to life in Hackney and the UK.
"My hope is that the appointment of the Commissioner will reinvigorate the fight for justice for those that have been affected by the scandal to ensure dignity and fairness is upheld. I also hope that councils across the country will see that their role in that fight isn’t just about celebration but actively fighting for their residents who have been impacted by the scandal, that they will examine whether they are helping or hindering in cases where their residents have already lost so much, and that they will ensure they are not causing further harm."
Cllr Carole Williams, Hackney Council’s Cabinet lead for Windrush
“I want to extend my thanks to Hackney Council for so warmly hosting yesterday’s launch event. It was a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the Windrush generation and their descendants. I look forward to working with communities in Hackney and across the UK to ensure that justice is delivered for all those affected by the Home Office Windrush scandal.”
Windrush Commissioner Reverend Clive Foster MBE
“I’m delighted that The Reverend Clive Foster has begun his important work as the first ever Windrush Commissioner. The Windrush Generation and their descendants have influenced every aspect of our society across our capital and country, but for far too long they have faced disgraceful treatment with barriers in their way to justice. The Government has committed to righting the wrongs of the past and the Commissioner has a vital role to play in honouring the legacy of the Windrush Generation, securing compensation and ensuring this never happens again, as we build a fairer London for everyone.”
Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, London's Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice
If Windrush has affected you and you suffered losses because you could not confirm your legal status, you may be eligible for compensation from the government. If you think this could affect you, free and confidential advice is available here, about making an application for compensation from the Windrush Compensation Scheme.