Bulletin No. 35
Reclaiming the Narrative: Windrush and the Fight for Justice
Introduction
The theme of Black History Month this year, changing narratives, invites reflection on how stories of injustice can evolve into narratives of empowerment. One of the most potent examples of this is the Windrush Scandal, which represents a painful chapter in British history, one that exposed deep flaws within the immigration system and raised serious concerns about human rights violations. For the Windrush generation, who were wronged by the UK government, this shift is crucial. Their struggle for recognition, justice, and reparations remains ongoing, and their voices now play a vital role in reclaiming the narrative of what it means to be British.
A Brief Overview of the Scandal
The Windrush generation refers to Commonwealth citizens, primarily from the Caribbean, who arrived in the UK between 1948 and 1973, with many helping to rebuild post-war Britain. However, under the "Hostile Environment" policy, introduced in 2012, many of these individuals were wrongfully classified as illegal immigrants. Lacking proper documentation due to the Home Office’s destruction of landing cards, they were denied access to healthcare, housing, and employment. Some were detained or deported to countries they had not lived in since childhood. This scandal, which began surfacing in 2017, led to widespread public outcry and highlighted deep-seated issues of institutional racism and governmental neglect.
Human Rights Violations
The Windrush scandal is not only an immigration crisis but also a significant breach of human rights, particularly under Article 14 of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR), which protects individuals from discrimination. The systemic racism
experienced by the Windrush generation violated this principle by treating them differently based on their ethnic origin. The selective enforcement of immigration laws that disproportionately targeted Caribbean immigrants serves as a blatant example of racial discrimination. Other key articles of the ECHR that were breached include:
Article 8: Right to respect for private and family life – Individuals were separated from their families and communities, sometimes deported to countries they hadn’t seen in decades.
Article 3: Prohibition of inhuman and degrading treatment – Detainment, denial of healthcare, and employment left many in financial hardship and caused mental health deterioration.
Article 6: Right to a fair trial – Victims were denied access to legal representation and opportunities to challenge their wrongful detention or deportation.
The Compensation Scheme and its Shortcomings
In 2019, the UK government introduced the Windrush Compensation Scheme to rectify the wrongs done to the Windrush generation. However, the scheme has been widely criticized for its slow pace and inadequate compensation amounts. A report in 2024 revealed that many claimants were still waiting for compensation, with some denied the rightful amounts. The protracted delays, bureaucratic hurdles, and minimal payouts have exacerbated the suffering of those affected. As of 2021, fewer than 6% of eligible claimants had received compensation.
Where We Stand Today: Reclaiming the Narrative
Despite these obstacles, members of the Windrush generation are actively reclaiming their narrative, challenging the historical narrative that cast them as illegal immigrants. By asserting their rightful place in British society, they are reframing their story from one of victimhood to one of resilience and contribution.
Artists such as Barbara Walker have captured the emotional toll of the scandal in their work, humanizing the pain and resilience of those affected. Her exhibition portrays mothers and sons from the Windrush generation, visualizing the emotional scars left by the scandal while honoring their endurance and contributions to British life. Through cultural expression and activism, individuals from the Windrush generation are reclaiming their stories, reshaping public memory, and ensuring that their legacy is accurately recognized in British history.
Additionally, survivors are using their voices to challenge the institutions responsible for their mistreatment. The growing number of testimonies and legal battles represents a larger movement to ensure that no future generation faces the same racial discrimination and injustice. The narrative is shifting from one imposed by an unjust system to one where individuals assert their rights and their rightful place in British society.
Conclusion
The Windrush generation's experience is a powerful reminder of the importance of justice, human rights, and the need to challenge discriminatory systems. While the road to full reparations remains long, the determination of those affected to reclaim their story is an act of defiance and empowerment. As their voices grow louder, the narrative of Windrush is no longer one of loss, but of resilience and rightful reclamation of identity.
Through their resilience, activism, and cultural contributions, the Windrush generation is reclaiming their history, ensuring that future generations understand the vital role they played—and continue to play—in shaping modern Britain.
Charity Spotlight
Race Equality Foundation
Race Equality Foundation are a national charity in the UK that aim to tackle racism in the UK and positively transform the lives of Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities. They do so by gathering evidence and research, campaigning, influencing policy making, and providing direct support to people affected by racial discrimination.
To learn more about their initiatives and donate please see here: https://raceequalityfoundation.org.uk/get-involved/
Internal Opportunities
The University of Manchester is running a variety of events this month to commemorate Black History Month such as workshops and lectures.
To register and see more events, click here: https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/news/display/?id=31802
The SU is also organising a series of online and in-person events throughout the month such as online exhibitions and panel discussions.
Find more information here: https://manchesterstudentsunion.com/blackhistorymonth
External Opportunities
Black History Month, the organisation responsible for selecting a theme for the month every year is organising a number of events throughout Manchester such as musicals, talks and performances with a big celebration taking place on 24th of October in Rochdale Town Hall, with lots of stuff to do such as music, games, dance, food, raffle draws and much more!
