A RALLY was held in Bradford city centre this afternoon to stand in solidarity and demand an end to the 'hostile environment' immigration policy.

A number of groups including Windrush Generations UK, Settled and Global Bradford joined forces in Centenary Square to show solidarity with the Windrush generation, but also Commonwealth citizens, EU citizens, asylum seekers and refugees. 

A chant of 'Stop, End, Start, Now' rang out around Centenary Square.

Placards read: "STOP government hostile environment. END deportations. START providing justice equality & UK status NOW."

Addressing the crowd in Centenary Square, organiser Nigel Guy said: "Our aim and objective is to undertake the 'four Cs' of Windrush.

"We're doing the commemoration, we're doing the celebrations of the contributions of the Windrush generation, but we need to tackle the challenges and conflicts of the Windrush generation.

"What has been happening over the last few years has been a debacle, it has been unjust, it has been a travesty, it has been terrible for want of a better word.

"We have to make a voice. We see other groups and other organisations who are rallying to ensure people face the right justice, that they're treated right.

"Today, we are in solidarity, not just with the Windrush generation, but in solidarity with the Commonwealth citizens, the EU citizens, asylum seekers and refugees, because we've all got a voice and we need better treatment from the UK government and throughout Great Britain."

The protest came amid a warning not to water down a review into the Windrush scandal after it was reported that a portion branding the Home Office “institutionally racist” was stripped out.

The delayed independent review was commissioned after people with a right to live in the UK were wrongfully detained or deported to the Caribbean.

The Times reported sources saying the phrase “institutionally racist” was included in an earlier draft of the Windrush review led by Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams, but had subsequently been removed.

The Home Office said ministers are yet to see any version of the review and insisted it will be published “as soon as practicable”.

Labour MP David Lammy, a vocal campaigner over the scandal caused by the department’s “hostile environment” policy, demanded that the “truth must be published in full”.

“The Windrush scandal resulted in the systematic deportation and detention of black British citizens by the UK Home Office,” the Tottenham MP said.

“The victims’ nationality and rights were denied because of the colour of their skin. If this is not institutionally racist, I have no idea what is.

“It would be an outrage and an insult to the Windrush generation for Wendy Williams’ independent review to be watered down for political reasons.”

The Home Office did not deny the report had been toned down.

“This is an independent review being led by Wendy Williams,” a spokesman said.

“She has not yet submitted the final report to the Home Office.

“Once we have received it, we will publish it as soon as practicable. Ministers have not seen any version of the report.”