Lib Dems Pledge Solidarity for Local Windrush Residents

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats are calling on all councillors to pledge their solidarity and support for local residents of the Windrush generation and their families, following their treatment by the Government in the Windrush Scandal.

Lib Dem Cllr Patrick Solomon will propose a motion at this week's Full Council meeting which recognises the 'enormous contribution of members of the Windrush Generation to British society following the Second World War.'

The motion includes pledges for the Council to mark Windrush Day (22 June), to offer support and signposting to local Windrush residents including promotion of the Windrush compensation scheme, and to work with local Bedford support group, Legacy Of Windrush Descendants.

Commenting, Cllr Solomon said: "People of the Windrush generation were invited here by this country and after working hard and making their homes here, they were sorely let down. There are many members of the Windrush generation here in Bedford Borough, and they and their families were caused unnecessary anxiety and distress by their appalling treatment.'

"We believe that the very least we can do for them is to send a united message of solidarity and to help them access the support available."

The Government apologised in 2018 for the Windrush Scandal, which saw Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK before 1973 threatened with deportation, despite their legal right to remain in the country permanently.

Cllr Solomon's motion can be read in full at Item 15 in the agenda for the Full Council meeting on 5th February here.