'We will not stand for it': Hundreds gather in Brixton for demonstration in solidarity with Windrush generation

Hundreds have gathered in south London for a demonstration in solidarity with the so-called Windrush generation.

The rally was held in support of those affected and their families at Windrush Square in Brixton on Friday afternoon.

The generation of Commonwealth citizens, who arrived in Britain between 1948 and 1971, have been denied healthcare and threatened with deportation despite being residents in the UK for decades.

Journalist Gary Younge and Labour's Dianne Abbott were among a number of speakers at the event, which called for "an amnesty for the 'Windrush generation' who were invited to the UK as British citizens".

Many of the Windrush generation, named after the ship HMT Empire Windrush, came from African and Caribbean countries under a rule allowing freedom of movement within the Commonwealth.

Organised by campaign group Stand Up to Racism, the rally came as a mass petition urging rights for the Windrush Generation is set for debate in Parliament on April 30.

Images shared online showed huge crowds gathered in the square, which was renamed in 1998 to recognise the important contribution of the African Caribbean community to the area.

Mr Younge gave a passionate speech as the event began at 5pm on Friday.

"I don't want to live in a country that is hostile to migrants," he said.

The journalist said the rally was "in some senses to celebrate the massive contribution" of the Windrush generation.

He added: "Black people helped build this country."

It came as details have emerged of long-standing UK residents from the Windrush generation who say they have been refused re-entry to Britain after visits to the Caribbean.

One woman, Gretel Gocan, 81, told 5 News she had been stuck in Jamaica since 2010 unable to return to her south London home after taking a holiday to visit family.

Former NHS nurse Icilda Williams, who moved back to Jamaica in 1996 after 34 years in Bradford, said her annual visits to the UK to see her children had been halted since 2014 after she was denied a visa.

Weyman Bennett, vice chair of Stand Up To Racism, said stories of how the generation of immigrants have been treated were "horrific".

He said: "We are here to say enough is enough and we are not going to stand for it.

"Black people and their allies in the trade unions, in Parliament, are going to start organising.

"400 people attended a meeting called at short notice by Dianne Abbott, Dawn Butler, David Lammy.

"It was an excellent meeting turn out...

"That shows you the depth of feeling and anger."

The event organisers said: "Join us in the place that celebrates the remarkable contribution of African and Caribbean men and women to this country.

"They built the NHS and worked hard against all odds and racism to maintain public services and communities across the UK."

They added: "Stand together in defence of the absolute right of the Windrush generation to be at the heart of any society that purports to be democratic, diverse and just.

"Defy the disgraceful position of government and secure full rights for them to be citizens of the UK."

Some 286 people have so far contacted a Home Office helpline set up to offer support for members of the Windrush generation with concerns about their migration status.

Some eight people whose cases have gone to a dedicated team of officials have been given permanent residence status.