Windrush generation has 'gifted Britain', 70th anniversary service told
Theresa May enjoys the gospel choir, clapping and swaying as they sang wearing the red, green and yellow of the Caribbean.
Friday 22 June 2018 16:23, UK
The Windrush generation has "gifted Britain", a service to commemorate the 70th anniversary of their arrival has heard.
The service at Westminster Abbey was led by the Rev Canon Joel Edwards, who said those who arrived at Tilbury Docks on 22 June 1948 showed resilience as they helped rebuild post-war Britain, often in the face of adversity.
Mr Edwards, addressing a congregation including members of the Windrush generation and their children, hailed the positive impact they have had in politics, business, music and food.
He said the Windrush generation had "gifted Britain", providing trade union leaders, politicians and senior civil servants.
However, he addressed their hardships, saying those who left the Caribbean for a new life in Britain faced racism.
He said: "Settling down hasn't been plain sailing. The children of Windrush have experienced over-representation in Britain's prisons and mental health institutions, knife crimes, underachievement in education and the job market.
"Settlement has meant racism, sometimes too much policing and not enough protection. And Stephen Lawrence."
The murdered black teenager's mother Doreen, now Baroness Lawrence, attended the service.
Prime Minister Theresa May also attended the service. Her government has been criticised over a scandal that has seen people who were invited here decades ago now facing deportation.
Mrs May enjoyed the gospel choir, clapping and swaying as they sang wearing the red, green and yellow of the Caribbean.
Sajid Javid was also at the service, after he took over as home secretary from Amber Rudd who resigned over the scandal.
John Richards, 92, who came to Britain on the Windrush aged 21, described the service as "great".
Asked if he found it emotional, he said: "It brings back memories yes, but I'm too old for the emotion."
The fallout from the deportation scandal continues.
This week the Home Office announced that former chief crown prosecutor Wendy Williams will oversee the Windrush lessons learned review.
Dubbed the Windrush generation after the cruise ship that brought one of the first large groups of West Indians to Britain, anyone who entered the UK before 1973 is legally entitled to live in the country.
But recent changes to UK immigration law saw some of those who came to Britain run into problems over new requirements for documentation when working, renting property or accessing benefits.