This article from the Independent by Sinai Fleary about the Windrush compensation scheme features the story of Leeford Hammond – just one of many individuals who’s lives have been blighted by the “Hostile Environment”. Leeford came to Britain in 1971 at the age of 15. He settled in London and ran an estate agency. In July 2017, after a number of problem-free trips, he was refused entry back into the UK from Jamaica. This was despite having indefinite leave to remain and living and working here for over 40 years. He was stranded in Jamaica for 6 months, separated from his wife and 5 children, and had to use his pension fund to pay for legal fees, and as his health suffered, medical bills. After finally being granted a visa he arrived back in the UK in October 2017 to find his business in ruins with no clients. Hammond filed his compensation claim in April last year, but has heard nothing since, and is now in danger of losing his home.
The article says the compensation scheme is complex and slow and adds to the suffering of those who try to claim. It has been estimated that the compensation total could be between £200-£570m. So far £62,198 has been paid out to 36 claimants. “When the scheme was launched, promises were made of a quick service and to ‘right the wrongs’ but in recent years, many Windrush victims have died before they received a penny or an apology. The tragedies of people like Sarah O’Connor, Jashwa Moses and Hubert Howard should have sparked some urgent changes to the scheme.”
Read more here.
