Acts of Legislation from 1948

This section explains the acts of legislation from 1948 which controlled migration to Britian. At the start of the 20th century, anyone born within the British Empire could claim full British nationality rights. This meant that people from the vast territories that were part of the Empire could freely travel to, live, and work in Britain. This right was solidified by the British Nationality Act 1948, which recognised the British Empire's vastness and the migration patterns it created. However, as migration increased and tensions over immigration mounted, new legislation was introduced to manage and limit the flow of migrants, particularly from the Commonwealth and Empire countries.

The British Nationality Act 1948

The British Nationality Act 1948 was a pivotal moment in migration history. The Act conferred the status of British citizen on all subjects of the British Commonwealth, giving them the right to live and work in Britain. The Commonwealth was essentially a loose association of former colonies, and the Act ensured that people from these countries, including those from the Caribbean, India, Pakistan, and Africa, were free to settle in Britain. They could also bring their families with them.

• The Windrush Generation: As a result of this Act, large numbers of people from the Caribbean, known as the Windrush Generation, began migrating to Britain. They were invited to fill labour shortages in post-war Britain and were instrumental in rebuilding the country after the Second World War. Their arrival marked a significant shift in the social and cultural landscape of the UK.

While the Act was a step towards greater inclusivity, the growing number of migrants led to resentment and social tension, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s, as parts of the British population began to view these new arrivals with suspicion and fear. This period saw the emergence of significant anti-immigrant sentiment and racial tensions.

Race Riots and Growing Tensions in the 1950s

By the late 1950s, the influx of Commonwealth migrants, particularly from the West Indies, began to spark resentment. Many British citizens felt that their jobs and social services were being stretched, leading to social unrest. In 1959, the Nottingham and Notting Hill riots erupted, with gangs of white youths attacking black men, often because of perceived threats to their social standing, particularly in relationships with white women.

• Notting Hill Riots (1958): In Notting Hill, gangs of white youths, known as Teddy Boys, clashed with black migrants. This violent outbreak was part of a wider racial tension that grew as Caribbean migrants, especially, settled in areas of London and other major cities. The local communities were shaken, and many blamed the incoming migrants for social problems. In the aftermath, a London judge condemned the violence, stating that the youths had "savagely attacked peaceful citizens."

These riots and the broader racial hostility contributed to a growing sense of panic within the government about how best to manage the influx of migrants, particularly those from the West Indies and South Asia.

Commonwealth Immigrants Act 1962

In 1962, the British government introduced the Commonwealth Immigrants Act, primarily in response to growing public concern over immigration. The act placed restrictions on immigration from the Commonwealth and introduced the employment voucher system, which limited the number of people who could enter the UK to those who had a job waiting for them.

• Employment Vouchers: Migrants from the Commonwealth, particularly those from the West Indies and South Asia, had to obtain a job offer before they could receive permission to enter the UK. This greatly reduced the numbers of immigrants allowed into Britain, as many potential migrants found it difficult to meet the conditions set out by the Act.

The new law marked a significant shift in British immigration policy, from one of relatively open access to more stringent controls. It also signalled a move towards limiting the number of non-white migrants, reflecting the increasing influence of anti-immigration sentiment.

Enoch Powell and the Commonwealth Immigrants Act 1968

By 1968, racial tensions in Britain had intensified further. A key moment in the debate over immigration came when Enoch Powell, a Conservative Member of Parliament, delivered his infamous "Rivers of Blood" speech. Powell, who was in the opposition Shadow Cabinet, warned that Britain was heading towards racial violence, similar to the unrest seen in the United States. He expressed concerns that increased immigration from former colonies, particularly from Kenya (where many people of Indian descent held British passports), would lead to racial conflict and social unrest.

• Powell's Speech: Powell’s speech became one of the most controversial and divisive moments in British political history. He argued that Britain was being "swamped" by immigrants and warned that the country could face racial violence unless immigration was curbed. He famously used the phrase "Rivers of Blood," suggesting that racial strife was inevitable.

The reaction to Powell’s speech was mixed. The Labour government under Harold Wilson denounced Powell as a racist and distanced itself from his views. However, Powell’s rhetoric resonated with many members of the public, particularly in areas that were experiencing large increases in immigrant populations.

In response to this growing anxiety, the Labour government passed the Commonwealth Immigrants Act 1968, which sought to restrict the number of migrants coming from Commonwealth countries, especially those with British passports.

Commonwealth Immigrants Act 1968

The Commonwealth Immigrants Act 1968 placed strict quotas on the number of people who could enter the UK from Commonwealth countries. The Act removed the automatic right of entry for Asian British passport holders, making it much harder for individuals from India, Pakistan, and East Africa (particularly Kenya and Uganda) to come to the UK, even if they held British passports.

• Key Provisions:
  • The Act restricted the ability of people with British Commonwealth citizenship to come to the UK.
  • British passport holders from Asia and East Africa had to meet stricter conditions to enter Britain.
  • It also introduced a system of quotas for various regions, which further limited the number of people who could be admitted.

This legislation was part of a wider trend of tightening immigration laws, as public fears of overpopulation and cultural change led to increasing pressure on the government to restrict immigration, particularly from non-white Commonwealth countries.

Immigration Act 1971

The Immigration Act 1971 was the next step in the government’s attempts to curb migration to the UK. This Act moved away from the employment voucher system and instead introduced a system of temporary work permits. It also created the category of ‘patrial’ status, a form of immigration exemption for people who had a grandparent born in the UK, allowing them to enter without the restrictions faced by other Commonwealth citizens.

• Temporary Work Permits: Under the new system, migrants from Commonwealth countries who wanted to work in Britain had to apply for a temporary work permit. This made it more difficult for migrants to settle permanently in Britain.
• Patrial Status: The creation of the ‘patrial’ category allowed individuals with a grandparent born in the UK to bypass immigration restrictions. This clause, often referred to as a ‘grandfather’ clause, provided an avenue for many people to enter the country despite the stricter immigration controls.

Uganda Resettlement Scheme (1972)

In 1972, Idi Amin, the dictator of Uganda, ordered the expulsion of Asian Ugandans, many of whom held British passports. In response, the British government allowed 27,000 Asians to settle in the UK under the Uganda Resettlement Board. The government’s decision to allow these migrants to enter Britain was controversial, especially in the context of the growing anti-immigrant sentiment at the time.

• Uganda Resettlement Board: The board was set up to manage the resettlement of Asian Ugandans, many of whom had been running businesses or working in Uganda’s growing economy. Although Britain accepted these migrants, the wider public view was increasingly hostile towards immigration.

Conclusion

These events, policies, and acts of legislation illustrate the complex and often contradictory approaches to migration in post-war Britain. From relatively open borders at the beginning of the 20th century, to the imposition of increasingly stringent immigration controls by the 1970s, Britain’s relationship with migration and multiculturalism has been shaped by economic, political, and social factors that continue to evolve today.