Sitting in Limbo: Viewers praise ‘heartbreaking’ Windrush drama amid Black Lives Matter protests

Government immigration policy branded ‘national disgrace’ on social media

Sitting in Limbo, a drama about the Windrush scandal, has left viewers furious and heartbroken over systemic racism in the UK.

The feature-length drama, which aired on BBC One on Monday night (8 June), tells the story of Anthony Bryan, just one of the victims of the government’s “hostile environment policy” on immigration.

It chronicles how, in 2015, Edmonton-based decorator Bryan (played by Patrick Robinson), who had lived in the UK for 50 years, was forcibly removed from his home and detained as an illegal immigrant.

The drama was awarded five stars by The Independent’s critic Sean O’Grady, who described it as a “harrowing” watch.

He said its “timing could not have been better” amid the Black Lives Matter protests that have been raging across the world since the death of George Floyd last month.

Many viewers took to Twitter to pile praise on the drama, with former footballer Ian Wright – whose cousin plays the lead – writing: “We know the story and this is still so f***ing heartbreaking to watch.”

"This is horrific," added another viewer. "There really is no humanity in our immigration system. Makes me feel sick that people went and are still going through this cruelty."

Sitting in Limbo sparked reactions from several politicians too, with David Lammy, MP for Tottenham, tweeting: “Racism, at its root, comes from ignorance. If the last two weeks has left you wanting to learn more about black British history, don’t miss #SittingInLimbo. We are here because you were there.

Priti Patel, the home secretary, even felt compelled to write: “#SittingInLimbo epitomises the unimaginable suffering endured by the Windrush generation. On behalf of successive governments, I apologise again to victims & their families. I will do all I can to ensure @ukhomeoffice protects & listens to every part of the community it serves.”