Commonwealth citizens, like the Windrush generation, are a unique group who have built their life here and have contributed enormously to our country.  

When these people came to the UK they were deemed to be settled in the UK under our legislation at the time. This meant some did not get nor need documentation to prove their right to be here. While the vast majority who came before 1973 will now have got documentation that proves their right to be in the UK, there have recently been some cases where people have not obtained the necessary documentation and have struggled to access public services. 

The Home Office has set up a new dedicated team to help those people evidence their right to be here. The team will help applicants demonstrate they are entitled to live in the UK, have a dedicated contact point, and will be tasked with resolving cases within two weeks of when the evidence has been provided. In addition, no one affected will be charged for the documentation which proves their right to be here. 

I understand that the report by the independent adviser, Wendy Williams, has not yet been submitted to Ministers. I have been assured that once it is available, the Home Secretary will publish her report. I am sure you agree in the importance of the Wendy Williams report being free of political interference.