PM ‘could be accused of racism over immigration’

Theresa May could be accused of racism in the wake of the Windrush immigration scandal, a Labour frontbencher has said.

Shadow women and equalities secretary Dawn Butler said the prime minister’s policies were delivering “institutionalised racism”.

Asked if Mrs May could be accused of racism, Ms Butler said: “Yes, she is the leader. She is presiding over legislation, discriminating against a whole group of people from the Commonwealth.”

Pressed on whether Mrs May was racist, the front bencher said: “In my opinion, and I’m speaking as Dawn Butler, the daughter of Jamaican parents, I’m saying that Theresa May has presided over racist legislation that has discriminated against a whole generation of people from the Commonwealth.

“Her policies, that she has implemented, have affected people from the Commonwealth and people of colour.

“Therefore, if you look at what institutional racism is, that’s what her policies are currently delivering.”

It comes after a slew of stories about members of the Windrush generation facing problems with access to healthcare and other services after the “hostile environment” policy intended to clamp down on illegal immigrants was brought in by Mrs May in 2014.

Many in the Windrush generation, who arrived from the Caribbean between the 40s and 70s, have no record of their status and have found it challenged under laws that require them to provide proof of near-continuous residence.

Prime Minister Theresa May is under fire