WINDRUSH scandal victims are being denied life-changing amounts of compensation due to a 59-year-old parliamentary rule and lack of legal aid, GMB conference heard today.

The government launched a compensation scheme in 2019 after thousands of Windrush-era residents were misclassified as illegal immigrants by the Home Office, leading to losses of jobs, homes and wrongful detention and deportations.

Union delegates in Blackpool passed a motion calling for the end to delays caused by making survivors apply for compensation, via an MP, to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. 

The “MP filter” has been in place since being introduced as a “temporary measure” under the Parliamentary Commission Act 1967, conference heard.

Delegates also heard that average compensation awards for legally represented claims soar to £83,200 compared with £11,400 for those who self-represent.

Arguing for the motion, Wales and South West delegate Jacqueline Shorte said: “It’s because the system is too complex for individuals to navigate alone.”