Dear Supporters,

My husband Vaun and I know firsthand that legal representation isn't a luxury for Windrush survivors – it's a necessity for fair compensation.

We were lucky to find a pro bono lawyer at the Windrush Justice Clinic at Southwark Law Centre, supported by a team of Law students at King’s College London, 

But right now, too many Windrush claimants are denied this basic right. We’re the only major scandal survivors that do not qualify for free, funded legal support. 

Groundbreaking new research published by JUSTICE, Dechert LLP and the University of Sussex has revealed a shocking truth that should outrage us all:

• Claimants without legal representation receive awards averaging just £11,400
• Claimants with legal support receive £83,200 on average – over 7 times more

One survivor initially received just £300. After getting legal help, their compensation rose to £170,000.  Another was initially awarded nothing at all, but secured £295,000 with legal assistance.

While every other major compensation scheme provides free legal representation – from the Horizon Post Office scandal to the Infected Blood scandal – Windrush survivors are left to navigate complex immigration law completely alone.

The evidence is overwhelming. The solution is clear. But survivors can't wait any longer.

Can you write to your MP asking them to urge the government to fund free legal representation?

Over 5,500 eligible claims have already been rejected with nil awards. Each rejection represents a life destroyed by government failure, then failed again by an inadequate compensation process.   Survivors need more than commemorative words – they need meaningful action.

To make it easier, we've provided a template that you can use and adapt for a letter to your MP.

What to do:

1. Find your MP's email address here: https://members.parliament.uk/members/Commons
2. Copy the template below or feel free to adapt it into your own words
3. Paste the template into an email
4. Insert your MP's name, your name and address
   Send
    

Thank you so much – people power really can work if enough of us do this.

The moral imperative is undeniable. The evidence is clear. The time for action is now.

Warmest wishes,

Hetticia & Vaun

Letter to MP Template: 

Subject: Urgent: Support Free Legal Representation for Windrush Compensation Claims

Dear [MP's Name],

I am writing as your constituent to urge you to support the provision of free legal representation for Windrush compensation claims.

Seven years after the scandal broke, the Windrush compensation scheme continues to fail survivors systematically. Over 5,500 eligible claims have been rejected with nil awards, while survivors remain the only major scandal victims denied funded legal support.

The Evidence is Overwhelming

New research published by JUSTICE, Dechert LLP and the University of Sussex reveals a shocking disparity:

• Claimants without legal representation receive awards averaging £11,400
• Claimants with legal support receive £83,200 on average - over 7 times more
   

This research, comparing identical cases with and without lawyers, proves that legal representation is not a luxury but a necessity for fair compensation.

Unjust Double Standards

While Windrush survivors struggle alone, every other major compensation scheme provides free legal representation:

Horizon Post Office scandal - free legal representation provided
Infected Blood scandal - free legal representation provided
Windrush scandal - survivors left to navigate complex immigration law alone
 

My Ask

I urge you to:

• Raise this issue with the Home Secretary and in Parliament
• Support calls for immediate funding of free legal representation for Windrush claims
• Ensure justice for survivors who have already waited far too long
   

Survivors need more than commemorative words - they need meaningful action. The evidence is clear, the solution is available, and the moral imperative is undeniable.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[Your Postcode]