Windrush Day is observed every year on June 22 in the UK.

It commemorates the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks, Essex, in 1948, which brought over 800 passengers from the Caribbean that rebuilt post-war Britain.

This marked the beginning of a significant wave of migration from Commonwealth countries, particularly from the Caribbean.

The Windrush Generation—named after the ship—played a vital role in shaping modern British society & culture.

Many worked in essential sectors like the NHS, transport, and manufacturing, often facing racial discrimination and hardship while contributing immensely to the economy & culture.

Windrush Day was officially recognized in 2018, following public outcry over the Windrush scandal, where many long-standing UK residents were wrongly detained, denied legal rights, and even deported due to institutional racism.

Many people who were part of the Windrush generation should have never been deported as the British Nationality Act of 1948 meant that all subjects of the commonwealth would be classed as British Citizens.

The government has since apologised and set-up a compensation scheme however the Windrush scheme does not provide free legal assistance (unlike other compensation schemes), forcing many to navigate the process alone.

This has led to lower compensation amounts or even claim denials. This is despite the complexity of the scheme and the high refusal rate.

All this showcases the lack of care & highlights the structural racism still present in the UK and it’s institutions.