Inside Lammy’s Windrush Day reception at No 10 as government acknowledges “complex” legacy
The Deputy Prime Minister welcomed Caribbean elders and prominent Black British figures to No 10, as calls for compensation reform continue
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy hosted Caribbean elders, campaigners and community figures at No 10 this week, marking 78 years since HMT Empire Windrush arrived in Britain.
The reception brought together people from across the Windrush generation and its descendants, with a steel band performing during the gathering.
Guests also included Windrush Commissioner, Reverend Clive Foster alongside Levi Roots, Floella Benjamin, Mica Paris, Patrick Vernon and Rudolph Walker.
Mr Lammy reflected on his parents’ migration from Guyana to Britain after the Second World War and acknowledged what the government described as Windrush’s “complex legacy”: the immense contribution of the generation and their descendants, alongside the injustices many have endured.
“I am honoured to host this fantastic celebration of the Windrush generation here at Downing Street,” he said.
“From Tube drivers to Three Lions strikers, the contributions made to modern Britain by this brilliant community and their descendants are too numerous to count.”
Reverend Foster also addressed attendees.
Mr Lammy, who also serves as Justice Secretary and MP for Tottenham, referenced the government’s £500,000 Windrush commemorations fund, backing projects in Nottingham, Bristol, Leicester and beyond.
Ros Griffiths, founder of the Big Caribbean Lunch, attended the event and said standing “in the heart of government” to mark Windrush Day was a powerful reminder that the generation’s legacy belongs “at the very centre of our national story”.
Call for compensation
The event came as the Windrush Justice Community Collective’s petition, Honour Promises Made to Windrush Generations, surpassed 44,000 signatures.
The collective includes Action for Race Equality, Runnymede, Windrush Lives, Windrush Justice Clinic and Black Lives Matter UK.
It is calling for free independent legal support for Windrush victims and affected family members, a new independent Windrush Redress Authority established in law, and a public inquiry into the scandal and its continuing impact.
Campaigners argue that public recognition must be matched by meaningful action for those still living with the consequences of the scandal.
The petition cites a National Audit Office finding that one in three concluded claims had resulted in a payout and says more than half of claimants have been refused compensation.
By stark contrast, 81% of eligible claims to the Post Office Horizon Shortfall Scheme received a payout.
A June 2025 report by JUSTICE, an independent legal reform charity, found that claimants without legal advice received average offers of £11,400, compared with £83,200 for those with representation, an eight-fold difference.
“Survivors have got a Windrush Day, a Memorial and even a London Overground name, but they are still being denied actual justice,” the campaigners said.
Their demands will be taken to the House of Commons on 8 July at a rally, supported by Labour MPs Fleur Anderson and Imran Hussain.
The hybrid event, running from 5 pm to 8 pm, will hear from the Windrush Justice Community Collective and Action for Race Equality, among others.
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