Disgust and shame over Windrush issue
SUNDAY last saw the end of the Commonwealth Games, an enthralling example of people from all over the earth living together as friends. I enjoyed watching it and my spirits lifted.
Then came Monday. I listened to the Home Secretary making a snivelling apology for her government’s attack on “Windrush” immigrants. The tactics used included a six-month “get out” warning, loss of benefits, loss of job, removal of driving licences, loss of access to health provision and deportation prison.
What a disgusting way to treat members of the British Commonwealth who came to “The Mother Country” by invitation 50-odd years ago to help rebuild a nation ravaged by five years of war. I was incensed, and felt disgust for a government that could act in such an inhuman way.
Amber Rudd offered a “we are sorry” but look behind these flimsy defences. Her government sanctioned advertising “Get Out” vans driving around immigrant areas, her government sanctioned “aggressive immigration” reviews, her government instructed the civil servants to behave in an aggressive way. Who set up this course of action? It wasn’t Amber Rudd – oh no! It was Mrs May, the then Home Secretary, now our Prime Minister.
After seeing examples of this total disaster my disgust turned to shame – shame that Britain could be seen by the world in such a light.
My feelings turned to accusatory mode when I listened to Mrs Rudd accusing civil servants of perhaps behaving a little too aggressively.
They follow the lead set by their masters and mistresses with no chance of a right of reply – because they are civil servants. Basically “it’s not my fault, it’s theirs!” By the way, they are not allowed to talk to the press or public.
So my accusation is one of rank bad policy, rank bad control and cowardice in the way the governing party conducted itself over this issue.
Sunday delight – Monday disgust, Tuesday shame and anger at the cowardice of an incompetent government. What a monumental mess.
I hope Mrs May will enjoy her meetings with Caribbean leaders this week; humble pie on the menu, I would think. Cure this sore – YOU need to “get out”, get out of office, Mrs May and Mrs Rudd. Try running a whelk stall. Alun Jones Ton Teg, Pontypridd