Immigration and Race Issues in the 1960s

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  • Immigration and Race Issues in the 1960s
    • Influx of immigrants from New Commonwealth caused social tension
      • 1965 survey in North London showed that 1/5 objected to working with black people or Asians; half said they would refuse to live next door to a black person; 90% disapproved of mixed marriages.
      • Over 1 million Carribean, Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi immigrants living in England in 1971
    • 1965- Labour passed first Race Relations Act, foribidding discrimination in public places 'on the grounds of colour, race or ethnic or national origins'.
      • EXCLUDED discrimination in housing and employment
      • Complaints were to be made to the Race Relations Board
        • Could not compel witnesses to attend, and handled 982 complaints in the first year; 734 dismissed through a lack of evidence
    • 1968- Commonwealth Immigration Act passed, limited the right of return to Britain for non-white Commonwealth citizens
      • In reaction to influx of Kenyan Asians in Feb 1968 following persecution in Kenya
        • Kenyan Asians denied access despite having British passports!
          • 1968- Commonwealth Immigration Act passed, limited the right of return to Britain for non-white Commonwealth citizens
            • In reaction to influx of Kenyan Asians in Feb 1968 following persecution in Kenya
              • Kenyan Asians denied access despite having British passports!
                • Prompted Powell's 'Rivers of Blood' speech
                  • A shocking 75% of Britons agreed
                  • Heath sacked Powell from shadow cabinet and never spoke to him again
                    • Strikes in London in response of his sacking! (dockers and meat porters)
                      • A shocking 75% of Britons agreed
          • Prompted Powell's 'Rivers of Blood' speech
            • Heath sacked Powell from shadow cabinet and never spoke to him again
              • Strikes in London in response of his sacking! (dockers and meat porters)
        • Second Race Relations Act in 1968, banned discrimination in housing, employment, insurance and other services
          • Race Relations Board given stronger powers
            • 1972- Race Relations Board upheld just 10% of the 1241 complaints. Complaints remained low as victims doubted having any success.
          • Still loopholes- eg non-white discrimination in the view of "racial balance"
          • Police complaints excluded from the law
      • Positive Aspects to Immigration
        • Notting Hill Carnival 1964
        • Emergence of Asian corner-shops and Chinese takeaways
        • Hippies in late 60s wore Indian and African cottons, kaftans, Arabian pants and more
        • West Indian music- jazz and ska- and Eastern customs (eg yoga, meditation, 'love and peace' and soft drugs)

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