Windrush campaigners fight to protect future of carnival

LOSING CARNIVAL 'WOULD ADD INSULT TO INJURY FOR WINDRUSH SCANDAL VICTIMS'

- By WILL TWIGGER & ELLIE CRABBE, PA

CAMPAIGNERS have urged the Government to step in to protect the future of Notting Hill Carnival as they mark Windrush Day.

The West London carnival is in jeopardy, its chairman Ian Comfort said in a letter on Wednesday, when he asked Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to provide urgent funding to save the event.

Jacqueline McKenzie, a campaigner and human rights lawyer who helped victims of the Windrush scandal, said the carnival holds “huge national and international significance”.

“The Government needs to recognise this and act urgently to protect it,” Ms McKenzie said.

In the late 1950s, Notting Hill became home to many people from the Caribbean who arrived in Britain on Windrush and accompanying ships, and the carnival was founded by pioneers of that generation.

Ms McKenzie said the carnival being at risk “adds insult to injury” for victims of the Windrush scandal.

“It should not be lost on us that these funding concerns coincide with Windrush Day on Sunday [June 22],” she said.

“To see this celebration in jeopardy whilst so many of the Windrush generation continue to fight for justice following the Home Office scandal only adds insult to injury.