What is meant by the Windrush generation? - Presentation

The 'Windrush generation' refers to the Caribbean migrants who travelled to Britain between 1948 and 1971, particularly those who arrived on the HMT Empire Windrush on June 22, 1948. This generation symbolises the beginning of significant Caribbean migration to the UK, a response to post-war labour shortages. Despite their contributions to British society, many Windrush migrants and their families faced severe challenges, including wrongful threats of deportation, denial of NHS services, and loss of employment and pensions. In 2018, the UK government acknowledged these injustices, issuing an apology and compensation for the losses suffered by the Windrush generation.

The Empire Windrush's arrival at Tilbury Docks, Essex, with over a thousand passengers from the Caribbean and other regions, is a pivotal moment in British history. It marked the start of a new chapter of immigration, which had a profound impact on the nation over the past century. The passengers, who included war veterans and individuals seeking new opportunities, were met with a complex reception, facing both excitement and indifference. Despite the government's initial efforts to discourage Caribbean immigration and the discriminatory policies that followed, the Windrush generation laid the foundations for a more diverse British society. Their story is a testament to the resilience and determination of those who sought to build a life in Britain against the odds.