Former Hackney councillor Patrick Vernon knighted for services to racial equality

Patrick Vernon, the former Hackney Labour councillor who led the successful national campaign for Windrush Day, has been awarded a knighthood in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for services to racial equality and social justice.

The honour caps three decades of work across the voluntary, public and community sectors, in which Vernon has campaigned on racial equality, health equity and migrant rights, and helped to bring the Windrush Scandal to national attention.

He currently serves as chair of Hackney Thinking Spaces, alongside roles as pro-chancellor for health at the University of Wolverhampton, commissioner for the UK Commission on Bereavement, and chair of the Windrush Advisory Group at the Black Equity Organisation.

Windrush, ‘100 Great Black Britons’ and the Majonzi Fund

Vernon’s campaigning credits include the establishment of Windrush Day, marked annually on 22 June; the convening of the Windrush 75 Network; and co-authorship of 100 Great Black Britons, the book and campaign aimed at producing a more inclusive picture of British history. During the Covid-19 pandemic he co-founded the Majonzi Fund, which supported communities disproportionately affected by bereavement during the crisis.

His earlier public roles include chair of NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board, chair of the Walsall Together Partnership, chair of the ARÉ Windrush Justice Programme, and founder member of the Windrush Justice Clinic. He has also served as chair of the citizens panel for the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch, specialist adviser for communities at the Centre for Ageing Better, and independent adviser for equality and inclusion at the Crown Prosecution Service.

‘An opportunity, not an achievement’

Responding to the honour, Vernon said it reflected “more than 30 years of contribution across a range of sectors and issues” and described it not as a personal recognition but as “an opportunity to further tackle inequality and promote greater dialogue and engagement across the UK around the ongoing injustices faced by the Windrush Generation and migrant communities”.

He said he would continue to campaign for the recovery of the anchor of the Empire Windrush, ahead of the 80th anniversary of the ship’s arrival in 2028. “This campaign represents an important shared history between the Jewish community and the Windrush Generation, reflecting how Britain has evolved since the Second World War,” he said.

Looking ahead

Vernon said he would also press for the establishment of an Older People’s Commissioner, improvements to health and social care, better housing, and changes in public attitudes towards ageing.

His ongoing campaigns include a national prostate cancer screening programme, particularly for Black men; improved mental health and bereavement support for Black and racialised communities; intergenerational work through arts, culture and heritage; and restorative justice linked to the legacy of chattel slavery.

He also reiterated his support for the family of Clinton McCurbin ahead of the 40th anniversary of his death in 2027, backing calls for a blue plaque in Wolverhampton and for the case to be reopened.

“I also remain committed to supporting leadership development and unlocking the potential of Black and minority ethnic communities,” Vernon said, “so that we are represented in boardrooms shaping policy and decisions, not simply cleaning them.”

“This honour belongs to all the communities, colleagues and campaigners I have worked alongside over many years.”