Windrush: 75 years on, why are victims dying waiting for compensation? - BBC Newsnight

Today marks 75 years since the HMT Empire Windrush docked in the UK - carrying hundreds of passengers from the Carribean to fill labour shortages.

Hundreds of thousands more Commonwealth citizens came in the 25 years that followed. But poor record keeping by the Home Office means it’s estimated tens of thousands were unable to prove they were in the country legally - and were prevented from accessing healthcare, work and housing.

Dozens were wrongly deported. One of the leading lawyers representing Windrush victims has criticised the Home Office for not making more progress since the scandal broke - and is calling for another body to take over.

But some have concerns that doing so could significantly delay making payments. The Home Office have said the figure paid or offered to Windrush Claimants is now £75 million. 

In a statement, the Home Secretary Suella Braverman said the government were making improvements so the people receive the maximum award as quickly as possible, but that the government recognised there was more work to do.

Newsnight’s Anna Collinson has been speaking to one family affected.

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