What a delight to be serenaded by this beautiful choir!

It is an honour to be here with you to celebrate the Windrush Generation and their invaluable contribution to British society.

We are so lucky to live in a country, in a city, in a borough, that is so welcoming to different communities from around the world.

But this was not always the case. Many people have fought many struggles to win respect and acceptance, and there is always more work to do to make sure that everyone is protected, welcomed and celebrated, no matter where they come from.

So it is vital that we remember the pioneers of the Windrush Generation, whose arrival here marked the dawn of multicultural Britain.

After the MV Empire Windrush docked in Essex in 1948, many passengers from the Caribbean came here, to Lambeth, where they have since flourished into a vibrant community evolving into a central piece in the diverse mosaic of communities that makes up our borough.

So it is with great pride that we celebrate the Windrush Generation, their many contributions to all aspects of British life and culture,
and the vital role they have played in making Lambeth the rich and diverse borough we know today.