Issues of Immigration and Race (AQA A-Level History): Revision Notes

Issues of Immigration and Race

Background: Immigration and social tensions

The continued arrival of immigrants from the New Commonwealth during the late 1950s and early 1960s maintained existing social tensions within British society. By 1971, ethnic minority populations had grown substantially compared to 1951, with particular increases in Caribbean, Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi communities.

Evidence from a 1965 survey conducted in North London revealed the extent of racial prejudice at the time. The survey found that one in five respondents objected to working alongside black people or Asians. More concerning still, half stated they would refuse to live next door to a black person, whilst nine out of ten disapproved of mixed marriages. These statistics demonstrated that racial attitudes remained entrenched despite the presence of established immigrant communities.

The 1965 Race Relations Act

In response to growing concerns about discrimination, the Labour government passed the first Race Relations Act in 1965. This legislation represented the initial attempt to address racial discrimination through legal means.

The 1965 Race Relations Act forbade discrimination in public places on the grounds of colour, race or ethnic or national origins. However, the Act contained substantial limitations. Discrimination in housing and employment remained outside its scope, leaving two areas where immigrants faced considerable prejudice unregulated.

Complaints under the Act were to be referred to the Race Relations Board, whose job was to conciliate between the two sides. The Board was established to consider discrimination complaints and to participate in publicity, research, finance and other aspects of race relations. Yet the Board lacked enforcement powers. It could not compel witnesses to attend hearings.

The 1968 Commonwealth Immigration Act and Kenyan Asians

In February 1968, alarm over the sudden influx of Kenyan Asians prompted the government to pass a new Commonwealth Immigration Act. This legislation limited the right of return to Britain for non-white Commonwealth citizens, marking a restrictive turn in immigration policy.

The anxiety surrounding the arrival of Kenyan Asians created the political context for one of the most controversial speeches in post-war British politics. The furore over these arrivals prompted Conservative MP Enoch Powell to deliver his notorious 'rivers of blood' speech in April 1968.

Enoch Powell's 'rivers of blood' speech

Powell addressed the Conservative Political Centre at the Midland Hotel Birmingham in April 1968. In his speech, he warned that Britain faced transformation through immigration, claiming that "hundreds of thousands are saying and thinking in the areas that are undergoing the total transformation to which there is no parallel in a thousand years of British history." He argued that allowing an annual inflow of 50,000 dependants was "insane" and that the country was "literally mad to allow" unmarried persons to immigrate for the purpose of founding families. Powell concluded with inflammatory rhetoric: "Like the Roman prophet, 'I see the Tiber foaming with much blood'."

The 1968 Race Relations Act

A further Race Relations Act was introduced in 1968, strengthening the legal framework against discrimination. This Act banned racial discrimination in housing, employment, insurance and other services, extending protection to areas excluded from the 1965 legislation. The Race Relations Board received stronger powers to investigate complaints.

However, loopholes remained within the legislation. Employers could discriminate against non-whites in the interests of 'racial balance', creating a broad exemption. Complaints against the police were excluded from the law, leaving a major area of concern unaddressed.

Positive aspects of immigration and cultural integration

Despite tensions and discrimination, immigration also brought positive aspects and evidence of communities living together without major problems. The Notting Hill Carnival became an annual event from 1964, demonstrating successful cultural integration. The festival was set up by the West Indian immigrants of the area to improve community relations and encourage people to mix socially.

The appearance of Asian corner shops and Chinese takeaways introduced new foodstuffs to British consumers. Youth culture drew from the ethnic communities in multiple ways. Music incorporated West Indian styles of jazz and ska. Fashion included Indian and African cottons, kaftans, Arabian pants, Indian scarves and ethnic beads. Hippies of the late 1960s wore these items alongside Western clothes. Others enjoyed West Indian styles of music.

Eastern ways and customs attracted followers through the Beatles' 'conversion' under the guidance of the Maharaja Mahesh Yogi to meditation, yoga, 'love and peace' as well as soft drugs. This demonstrated how immigration influenced mainstream British culture and the counterculture movement of the late 1960s.