Peterborough marked the proud contribution of the Windrush Generation to the city today in a special ceremony outside the town hall

The Windrush Generation refers to the half-million people who moved to the UK between 1948 and 1970 from the Caribbean, providing crucial support to the community and economy following World War II.

In 2018 the Windrush scandal broke, leading to the government apologising for deportation threats made to the children of Commonwealth citizens, who had worked here for decades but were told their stay had been illegal due to a lack of paperwork.

Community leader Julia Davidson -  whose family had been affected by the scandal - gave an impassioned speech as community figures from the Windrush Generation, Peterborough City Council CEO Gillian Beasley and a crowd of well-wishers observed the hoisting of the flag.

Julia spoke of the many sacrifices and hard work of the generation as many other Windrush flags were hoisted across the country today - the 72nd anniversary of the first arrivals on MV Empire Windrush in Tilbury Docks on June 22, 1948.

She said: "I humbly stand here with great respect and pride to be given this opportunity to formally acknowledge the immense contribution of the Windrush Generation to the growth and development of Peterborough throughout the UK.

"For many decades Peterborough has a long history of welcoming people from other nations and it is through our diverse collective work and understanding that we can make progress. The people of the Windrush Generation are an integral part of the city's past and future development."

Source: PeterboroughMatters