Securing compensation, challenging injustice and fighting for the rights of Windrush survivors

The Windrush scandal exposed the devastating consequences of the UK’s hostile environment immigration policies. People who had lived and worked in the UK for decades were wrongly denied their rights, lost jobs and homes, were refused essential services and, in some cases, were detained or deported.

At Southwark Law Centre, we have been at the forefront of efforts to secure justice for those affected. Our work combines specialist legal representation, community partnerships and strategic litigation to help survivors obtain compensation, restore their rights and challenge the systemic failures that caused such profound harm.

The Windrush Justice Clinic

Through the Windrush Justice Clinic (WJC), we work in partnership with North Kensington Law Centre, university legal clinics and grassroots community organisations to provide free, independent legal advice to people affected by the scandal.

We help survivors navigate the complex Windrush Compensation Scheme, gather evidence, challenge inadequate compensation offers and secure recognition of the harm they have experienced.

Southwark Law Centre alone has now secured over £1 million in compensation for survivors of the Windrush scandal through our specialist casework. This represents an important milestone in our longstanding commitment to securing justice for those affected.

Behind this achievement are people whose lives have been profoundly affected by injustice. Compensation cannot undo the harm they have suffered, but it can provide financial security, recognition and an important measure of redress.

Through the wider Windrush Justice Clinic partnership, we also work to improve access to specialist legal support, share expertise and challenge the systemic barriers that continue to prevent survivors from obtaining justice.

Find out more about the Windrush Justice Clinic

Changing the Law: The Landmark Oji Case

Our commitment to Windrush justice extends beyond individual compensation claims. We also use strategic litigation to challenge the barriers preventing survivors from accessing justice.

In January 2026, we secured an important Court of Appeal ruling in R (Oji) v Director of Legal Aid Casework, challenging the approach taken to legal aid funding for Windrush compensation claims.

The Court recognised that claims under the Windrush Compensation Scheme can involve civil rights protected by Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Although the individual appeal was unsuccessful, the judgment established an important principle: applications for exceptional legal aid funding cannot be rejected simply because Windrush compensation claims fall under a government compensation scheme. Instead, the need for publicly funded legal representation must be considered on the individual facts.

This ruling represents a significant step towards ensuring that survivors can obtain the legal assistance they need to pursue fair compensation. Its implications may extend to other government compensation schemes.

Read more about our landmark Windrush ruling

National Recognition for Our Windrush Work

In 2026, our solicitor Van Ferguson was named Legal Aid Social Welfare Lawyer of the Year at the national Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year (LALY) Awards.

The award recognised Van’s exceptional contribution to social welfare law, including his longstanding work representing Windrush survivors, securing compensation and pursuing strategic legal challenges.

Van has played a leading role in developing legal expertise around the Windrush Compensation Scheme and challenging the barriers that prevent survivors from obtaining justice.

This recognition reflects the dedication of our wider Windrush team and our partners, whose work continues to make a meaningful difference to the lives of those affected.

Read about our LALY success

Continuing the Fight for Justice

Despite the establishment of the Windrush Compensation Scheme, many survivors continue to face significant barriers to securing redress. The claims process can be lengthy, complex and distressing, particularly for people who have already experienced years of uncertainty and mistreatment.

We continue to advocate for a fairer, more accessible compensation system and for publicly funded independent legal advice for everyone who needs it.

Working alongside survivors, community organisations and legal partners, we are committed to ensuring that the lessons of the Windrush scandal are not forgotten and that those affected receive the justice, dignity and recognition they deserve.