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Alyson Malach
Jun 20

The Britain We Built Together

Happy Windrush day to all

Before you speak of “them” and “us”,

Or stir up anger, noise and fuss,

Remember well this island’s story,

Its struggles, triumphs, pain and glory.

For Britain was not built alone,

Nor shaped by people all the same tone.

Its roads and railways, towns and trade,

Were built by hands from far away.

When Empire called in times of war,

Men answered from distant shore.

From India came over two million strong,

To help where they knew they belonged.

From Africa, the Caribbean too,

Brave soldiers fought the whole war through.

In muddy trenches, desert sands,

They served this nation and its lands.

The Windrush generation came,

Not seeking fortune, wealth or fame.

Invited here to help rebuild,

To fill the jobs that stood unfilled.

They drove the buses through the rain,

Worked factories, docks and railway trains.

They cared for patients night and day,

And helped the NHS find its way.

From Punjab villages and towns,

To London’s streets and northern grounds,

They opened shops and businesses,

Creating jobs and opportunities.

They drove the taxis through the night,

Keeping Britain’s cities bright.

They taught our children, healed our sick,

And helped communities flourish quick.

Today our schools tell Britain’s tale,

Of cultures meeting without fail.

In classrooms, colleges and halls,

Young people learn from one and all.

The NHS depends each day

On people from a world away.

Around one in five staff nationwide

Were born abroad and work with pride.

In hospitals, wards and surgeries,

In care homes and communities,

They save our lives and ease our pain,

Again and again and again.

Our police, our schools, our housing teams,

Our scientists pursuing dreams,

Our engineers and skilled trades too,

Reflect a Britain old and new.

The music played on radio waves,

The films we watch, the songs that stay,

The foods we share, the books we read,

All grew from many roots and seeds.

And football fans who jump and roar

When England scores another goal,

Or celebrate their club’s success,

See diversity at its very best.

For every race and every creed,

Has helped this nation to succeed.

Not by replacing, but by adding,

Building, growing, strengthening.

You need not share each person’s view,

Or every faith that’s different to you.

But judge a person by their heart,

Not where they came from at the start.

For Britain’s strength has always been

The many colours in the scene.

Different stories, hopes and dreams,

Working together in our teams.

Integration isn’t just a word,

It’s something lived and seen and heard.

In schools, workplaces, streets and parks,

Where people share their lives and hearts.

So when you ask what Britain means,

Look beyond the headlines and screens.

Its greatest strength, both then and now,

Is people standing side by side somehow.

Not Black or White, not old or new,

Not me alone, not only you.

But all who contribute, care and give,

Helping this nation thrive and live.

For Britain’s story, plain to see,

Is written in diversity.

And future generations too,

Will build it stronger, me and you.

Alyson

20/6/26

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