Windrush: Only 13 People Given Emergency Support

Labour MP Yvette Cooper described the revelation as "shocking"

CWINDRUSH RESPONSE: Home secretary Sajid Javid has revealed that just 13 people have received urgent and exceptional support

ONLY 13 people affected by the Windrush scandal and in desperate need of financial support have been granted assistance through the hardship fund.

A total of 91 people have submitted requests for urgent support outside of the compensation scheme, 34 applications remain under consideration and 41 have been rejected, according to Home Office data up until the end of April.

Some people who were affected by the scandal became impoverished after they lost their jobs, were denied benefits and state support, and prevented from accessing free healthcare.

In response to the extreme financial suffering, the government launched a hardship fund in December through which victims can be granted up to £5,000.

Successful applicants must be able to demonstrate that there is a compelling reason why they cannot wait for help through the full compensation scheme.

While the Windrush Compensation scheme is now open, the home secretary said the urgent and exceptional support policy will remain in place to assist those who cannot wait to receive funds via that channel.

“It’s worrying that the Home Office is still failing to provide vital support to the Windrush generation. Of the nearly 100 people who have requested urgent support, it’s shocking that only 13 have been accepted and 41 others have been outright rejected. So more than 12 months on from the Windrush scandal only very few people are being supported for the hardship they have endured,” The Guardianreported Yvette Cooper, chair of the home affairs select committee, said.

Those wishing to submit a Windrush Compensation claim can find more information here.

Queen’s Birthday Honours Outrage

Glyn Williams, the head of migration policy at the Home Office between 2010 and 2013, was named in the Queen’s birthday honours list on Friday, June 7.

Williams, director-general, borders, immigration and citizenship at the Home Office, will receive a CB (companion of the order of the Bath) for public service.

Campaigners and supporters of the Windrush Generation have expressed outrage that Williams, who was instrumental in the creation of the hostile environment policy, will receive the honour.

On Twitter, one commenter described the decision as a “final insult” from May, while another referred to Williams’ inclusion as a “bitter reminder of how the empire celebrates its heroes”.

Euen Herbert, a vocal advocate of the Windrush Generation whose citizenship struggles came to light amid the scandal, said: “Theresa May said she was sorry for Windrush but this is how she shows her remorse.”

UK Uncut, an anti-austerity grassroots organisation, said: “This is a disgrace. He’s getting rewarded for racist policies that have ruined people’s lives. This is so messed up.”

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