Today we celebrate Windrush day, 74 years since the arrival of HMS Empire Windrush docking in Tilbury.

Onboard the former German cruise ship were around 500 settlers from various Caribbean islands, including Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago, who had been invited to help rebuild post-War Britain.  They would go on to build their lives in Britain, contribute to our way of life and help make Britain prosperous.

Many, including my family, filled labour shortages in the National Health Service, and London Transport to name a few, which was founded just a fortnight after the ship reached Britain.

For nearly three quarters of a century, the ‘Windrush generation’ of which I am part, arrived from the Caribbean to play an invaluable role in our country. They worked hard, paid taxes, and became part of the fabric of British society, as have their children and grandchildren. We owe them a great debt of gratitude.

To shape our future, we must acknowledge our past. An annual Windrush Day does both by reminding us of our heritage and focusing future generations on how the Windrush pioneers paved the way for them.

To all the Windrush generation we value and respect you as your contribution has made up the rich fabric of our society and LSBU Group community today.