The Government has been accused of being “cruel and inhumane” over its treatment of the Windrush generation who came to the UK from the Commonwealth 70 years ago.
The leader of Unison has written to the Home Secretary calling for their legal status to be confirmed amid fears of deportations.
Dave Prentis cited the case of Albert Thompson, who has lived in the UK for 44 years, who has been told he has to pay £54,000 to have treatment for prostate cancer.
“Hard work, children raised, taxes paid, making Britain their home.
“The SS Windrush arrived in Tilbury Port just two weeks before the NHS was established, and these two anniversaries, these two histories are intertwined and inseparable.
“I know all of you will share the horror that I felt reading about Albert Thompson, denied treatment for cancer unless he could pay up front, denied it having lived here for 44 years.
“Abandoned by a cruel, vindictive government. It’s inhumane.
“We must do everything in our power to help Albert and the thousands of other members of the Windrush generation facing the same fate.
“That’s why I’ve written to the Home Secretary Amber Rudd to demand that Albert Thompson receives the immediate treatment he deserves and he needs.
“I’m making a demand that she stops the deportations, respects those who have given decades to our communities, and we insist that she confirm the legal status of the Windrush generation and their children once and for all.”
