Enshrine Windrush promise in law, UK MPs press Theresa May gov't
Published:Monday | April 30, 2018 | 12:00 AMEdmond Campbell/ Senior Staff Reporter
The promises to grant citizenship and other benefits to the Windrush Generation, including Jamaicans, could be enshrined in law soon if the Theresa May-led Tory Government bows to pressure from some 200 British members of parliament who are demanding that the pledges be supported by statute.
Demands for the measures to be crafted in law came from mainly Labour MPs in a letter to the United Kingdom (UK) prime minister. The letter was also signed by politicians from other parties such as the Liberal Democrats, the Green party and the Scottish National Party. At least one member of the ruling party has reportedly signed the letter, according to the British Broadcasting Corporation.
"We are calling on you to do this by bringing a statutory instrument before Parliament to ensure that the measures are implemented as quickly as possible," the letter read.
The Windrush Generation scandal has already led to the resignation of Amber Rudd, former British home secretary.
Hostile immigration policies
Many Caribbean nationals who belong to the Windrush Generation had been threatened with deportation, denied access to public health services, and, in some instances, lost their jobs owing to the government's hostile immigration policies.
Following increased pressure from Labour MPs, the British government has since recanted by offering free citizenship to people from all Commonwealth countries who arrived in the UK before 1973, including individuals who have no current documentation.
Children of the Windrush Generation are also included, as well as Commonwealth migrants who already have leave to remain and want to advance their status.