He fought for more help for those who also suffered, but the battle was long and exhausting – and is still not won

My friend Anthony Williams, a campaigner and survivor of the Windrush Scandal, died last month. I first met him in June 2020 after reading a bone-chilling account in this newspaper of how the Windrush Scandal swallowed his life whole.

Anthony arrived in Birmingham from Jamaica in 1971, aged seven. After school, he served with the Royal Artillery for 13 years. Later, he became a successful fitness instructor. But in 2013, his life suddenly, inexplicably, unravelled. The Home Office had declared him an illegal immigrant. He lost his job and was plunged into extreme poverty. Unable to register for a doctor or dentist, a tooth infection caused him to lose most of his teeth.

Comments on this piece are premoderated to ensure discussion remains on topics raised by the writer. Please be aware there may be a short delay in comments appearing on the site.

Continue reading…

You May Also Like

Cop28 president denies on eve of summit he abused his position to sign oil deals

Sultan Al Jaber calls allegations false as the United Arab Emirates prepares…

Cyclone Gabrielle: communities cut off in New Zealand’s North Island as national emergency declared – live

Damage and flooding extensive, with worst-effected areas on the east coast and…

Work pressure in Covid lockdown was shattering, say teachers

One in four teachers tell union they sought medical help because of…