Liberal Democrats in Ealing celebrated the 75th anniversary of the arrival in the UK of the Empire Windrush, carrying the first immigrants from the Caribbean.

A statement from the group says: "We are proud of the huge economic, social, and cultural contribution the Windrush Generation have made to the United Kingdom.

"On this 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush - which brought over dedicated Caribbean people who wanted to help rebuild Britain.

"We celebrated this contribution in Ealing at an event at Soane's Kitchen, Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, Ealing where stories were reminisced of the Windrush generation – told through spoken word by our pioneers, poetry, music, fashion, and tasty Caribbean delights.

"Liberal Democrats welcome the huge contribution of the Windrush trailblazers to Ealing, London and the UK on the diamond 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush on 21 June 1948, on Thursday 22nd of June 2023. It brought a new generation of Caribbean and Commonwealth citizens to the UK, including Ealing.

"These pioneers came to explore a new life in the UK and filled many post war roles in the NHS, the public and private sector, where there were labour shortages.

"They have been an essential part of creating a multicultural society in Ealing where over 52% of residents born outside of the UK and over 26% of Ealing residents are Black, Caribbean, African or mixed ethnic groups. 

"They have provided vital support and resources, bringing diversity and new approaches which the UK needed in 1945 and which continues to this day. 

"They form an essential component of making Ealing one of the most diverse and culturally rich boroughs in the UK."

Liberal Democrat Councillor Connie Hersch, opposition community spokesperson said: "Along with Liberal Democrat Baroness Floella Benjamin, I would like to welcome the arrival of the Windrush and the vital contribution made by Caribbean people to Britain and Ealing, on this 75th anniversary and celebrate their essential role in creating the vibrant and diverse borough of Ealing. It was great to hear the stories told by those residents who came from the Windrush generation. We must welcome new communities and involve them in decisions that affect us all.

"Liberal Democrats will keep fighting for the rights of those impacted by the Windrush Scandal - and to scrap the cruel, ineffective hostile environment policies that caused the scandal in the first place. We will keep standing up to bigotry, hate and racial injustice that is far too commonplace in our country."