We’ll put right the Windrush scandal wrongs, says Priti
PRITI Patel has pledged to put right every failing that led to the Windrush immigration scandal.
The Home Secretary promised yesterday that the Government would adopt all the recommendations made in a review and compensate victims in full.
Ms Patel told MPs she was determined to “right the wrongs and injustices” suffered by thousands from Commonwealth countries told wrongly they were living in the UK illegally – and in some cases deported.
She said: “I will do all I can to make sure that more people are helped and more people are compensated in full.And if additional resources are needed they will be provided.”
Failings
The Windrush generation are among those descended from migrants who came to the UK from the Caribbean aboard the ship EmpireWindrush in 1948.
Ms Patel’s announcement followed a report by Wendy Williams, an inspector of constabulary, into the failings that led to the scandal.
Recommendations included appointing a migrants’ commissioner and a programme of reconciliation.
She also said Home Office staff should take part in a comprehensive programme about the history of the UK, its relationship with the rest of the world and its colonial past. Ms Patel said: “I was clear when Wendy Williams published her Lessons Learned Review that I would listen and I would act.
“I have heard what she has said and I will be accepting the recommendations she has made in full.
“So far over 12,000 people have been granted documentation by the Windrush task force, including over 5,900 grants of citizenship.
“And the compensation scheme continues to make payments to compensate the losses and the impairs individuals suffered as a result of not being able to demonstrate their lawful status.”
Ms Patel said more than £1million had so far been offered in claims, with more payments and offers made each week.
Ms Williams’ review criticised successive governments’ “hostile environment” policy on illegal immigration and said the Home Office had shown “ignorance and thoughtlessness” on the issue of race.
Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds criticised the Government for compensating just 60 people in its first year of operation.
Ms Patel agreed it was “far too slow” but said: “I have outlined in my statement that it is right that we treat each individual with the respect and dignity they deserve.
“These are complicated cases.”