A national vigil is set to take place in London on Easter Monday to commemorate the legacy and ongoing impact of the Windrush scandal. Event organisers are hopeful that Bristol will be one of several cities to host regional vigils in 2027.
The fourth Windrush National Vigil will take place in Windrush Square in Brixton to acknowledge the ongoing fallout from the Windrush Scandal, which first came to light in April 2018.
The scandal saw people who had come to the UK from the Caribbean in the post-war era and been given indefinite leave to remain in the country arrested, threatened with losing their jobs or their pensions and even being deported under the ‘hostile environment’ policies introduced by Theresa May when she was Tory Home Secretary in 2012.
Then-Bristol councillor Cleo Lake played an important role in bringing the public’s attention to the injustice of the thousands of people who were denied basic rights because they had wrongly been classified as illegal citizens., with an online petition she started calling for immigration amnesty for those affected garnering over 20,000 signatures.
The human cost of the scandal was exemplified in people like Bristol musician Jashwa Moses, who died from cancer in 2019 without being able to fulfil his dream of taking one last holiday for fear he would not be allowed back into the country he had called home since he was twelve.
Bishop Dr Desmond Jadoo MBE, chair of the Windrush National Organisation and leader of the vigil, said: “It is important that we honour our elders and those who have passed away as a result of the scandal, while continuing to pray for those still going through the journey. We must also continue the campaign for justice.”
The vigil will be attended by Windrush commissioner Reverend Clive Foster MBE, government representatives, and members of the Windrush National Organisation committee.
The government set up a compensation scheme for the victims of the scandal after it came to light. However, that scheme has faced severe criticism for delays, low offers and unfair rejections.
Although over £116m had been paid out in compensation as of September 2025, a huge portion of potential claimants are thought to have received nothing.
Announcing a shake-up of the compensation scheme in October, Home secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “The Home Office Windrush scandal was a shameful stain on our history.
“People who gave so much to our country were treated as illegal immigrants in their own home. It is unacceptable that many victims are still waiting for compensation all these years later.”
Survivors of the Home Office Windrush scandal will also benefit from stronger and more consistent support following the launch of a new network of local authorities.
Bristol City Council is among the founding members of the Windrush Councils Network, which launched earlier this month to improve outcomes for affected communities. The group provides a shared space for councils to exchange learning, strengthen local services, and ensure that the voices of those directly affected shape future support.
Clive Foster, independent Windrush commissioner, said: “The impact of the Home Office Windrush scandal is felt locally.
“Residents often come to their council first for guidance or support. The purpose of this network is simple: to coordinate consistent support for survivors, share what works, build trust, raise awareness in communities and ensure every resident receives clear and accessible help.”
Mr Foster added recommendations from his office have already led to concrete changes (in the compensation scheme), including compensation for lost pensions and advance payments for those undergoing reviews. The network aims to promote a culturally competent response across local government while increasing awareness of available welfare and legal help.
Carole Williams, of Hackney Council, said: “The story of the Windrush Generation lives on – in our streets, our culture, and our communities. The launch brings together councils from across the country to unlock justice, rebuild trust, and amplify voices to ensure local experiences shape national policy.
“This is about more than remembrance. It’s about action, pride and progress.”
The group is now developing a charter to set out what consistent council-level support should look like.
