Race Relations Acts, 1965-2000

This section explains the Race Relations Acts from1965,1968, 1975 and 2000. Throughout the second half of the 20th century, Britain saw a gradual but significant shift in its approach to race relations. This period marked a growing recognition of the need to address racial discrimination, particularly as the country became more diverse due to immigration from former colonies. The passing of a series of Race Relations Acts was a response to public protests, changing social attitudes, and the increasing visibility of discrimination, particularly against Black, Asian, and Caribbean communities.

Labour Government and the Bristol Bus Boycott (1963)

In 1964, the Labour Party, led by Harold Wilson, came to power with a slim majority in the House of Commons. Wilson’s government would play a pivotal role in reforming race relations in Britain. The issue of racial discrimination had become a pressing concern, highlighted by significant events like the Bristol Bus Boycott in 1963.

• The Bristol Bus Boycott: This protest arose when a local bus company in Bristol refused to employ black people as bus conductors and drivers. Inspired by the success of the American Civil Rights Movement, local black residents, led by Paul Stephenson, organised a boycott of the buses. The boycott was successful, and the bus company eventually changed its discriminatory hiring practices.
• Wilson’s Promise: Wilson, who had previously pledged to tackle racial discrimination, promised that a Labour government would pass a law to end such prejudice. However, it would take two years before the government introduced legislation to address racial inequality.

Race Relations Act 1965

The Race Relations Act 1965 was the first significant piece of legislation to confront racial discrimination in Britain. It was introduced in response to the growing public awareness of racial tensions and the success of campaigns like the Bristol Bus Boycott.

• Outlawing Discrimination in Public Places: The Act made it illegal to discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, or ethnicity in public places, such as shops, restaurants, cinemas, and other services.
• Establishment of the Race Relations Board: The Act also established the Race Relations Board (RRB) to investigate complaints of racial discrimination and work to resolve disputes. The National Committee for Commonwealth Immigrants was also set up to support immigrants facing racial prejudice.
• Limitations of the 1965 Act: However, the law had significant limitations. It did not apply to discrimination in housing or employment, which were two major areas where people of colour often faced prejudice. Despite this, the Act marked an important step forward in the fight against racial discrimination.

Commonwealth Immigrants Act 1968 and Race Relations Act 1968

By the late 1960s, race relations were becoming an increasingly contentious issue in Britain. A rise in immigration, particularly from the Caribbean and South Asia, had led to growing resentment among parts of the British population. In 1968, Kenyan Asians were at the centre of a heated political debate. Many had British passports and were seeking to migrate to the UK following the political upheavals in Kenya after independence.

• Commonwealth Immigrants Act 1968: To restrict immigration, particularly from Commonwealth countries, the government passed this Act, which tightened the criteria for Commonwealth citizens wishing to settle in Britain. This created a backlash within the Labour Party, as some members felt the measures were discriminatory. In an effort to balance the restrictions on immigration, Wilson's government introduced new anti-discrimination measures to improve race relations.
• Race Relations Act 1968: This Act extended the provisions of the 1965 Race Relations Act, making it illegal to discriminate in housing, employment, and the provision of services. The 1968 Act was a crucial step forward, as it aimed to reduce discrimination in the most important areas of daily life. However, it still did not apply to the police force, which remained exempt from the anti-discrimination laws, a significant gap in the legislation.

Race Relations Act of 1976

By the 1970s, it became clear that there were gaps in the existing laws, and Britain still faced significant challenges when it came to racial equality. The growing frustration of minority communities and civil rights groups, coupled with the increasing visibility of racial discrimination, led the Labour government, under Harold Wilson’s successor James Callaghan, to pass the Race Relations Act of 1976.

• Extension to Indirect Discrimination: One of the most significant aspects of the 1976 Act was its extension of the definition of discrimination to include indirect discrimination. This meant that practices or policies that disproportionately disadvantaged certain racial groups, even if they were not intentionally discriminatory, were now considered unlawful.
• Legal Redress: The Act gave individuals who felt they had been discriminated against the right to take their complaints to the courts or industrial tribunals. This opened up legal avenues for people to seek redress for racial discrimination in the workplace, housing, and other areas.

Despite these advances, racial discrimination remained prevalent in many sectors of British society. The police force continued to be a key institution where racial tensions and bias were significant issues, as seen in the increasing number of complaints and reports of racial profiling and police brutality.

Macpherson Report and the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000

In 1993, the murder of Stephen Lawrence, a Black British teenager, sparked a major investigation into the police's handling of the case. Lawrence was killed in a racially motivated attack in South London, but the police investigation was marred by incompetence and racial bias. The case became a symbol of the failures of the British justice system when it came to dealing with race.

• The Macpherson Report (1999): After a public inquiry, the Macpherson Report concluded that the Metropolitan Police was "institutionally racist". The report identified systemic racism within the police force and called for significant changes in how the police interacted with minority communities. It also made 70 recommendations for improving race relations and addressing the ingrained bias in British policing.
• Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000: In response to the Macpherson Report, the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 was introduced. This Act extended the scope of race relations legislation to include public authorities, such as the police, local authorities, and schools, placing a duty on them to actively promote race equality.
  • Active Duty for Public Authorities: The Act required public bodies to not only avoid racial discrimination but also take proactive steps to eliminate discrimination and promote race equality. This meant that public bodies had to take positive action to ensure fair treatment for people from all racial backgrounds.
  • Police and Public Services: The Act placed the police under the same race relations legislation that applied to other public bodies, making it a legal requirement for the police to eliminate racism in their operations and structures.

Legacy and Impact

The Race Relations Acts, from 1965 to 2000, represent significant steps towards achieving racial equality in Britain. They laid the legal foundations for a more inclusive society by tackling direct and indirect discrimination and by addressing the institutional racism that existed in key public institutions like the police. However, while these laws made important progress, the fight for racial equality and the dismantling of systemic racism continues, with the Macpherson Report's findings still shaping debates on race in the UK today.

• Public Awareness: These Acts were instrumental in raising public awareness of racial discrimination and inequality, providing legal mechanisms for individuals to challenge unfair treatment.
• Continued Challenges: Despite these legal frameworks, racial inequality in areas such as education, employment, housing, and criminal justice persisted throughout the 20th century and remains a critical issue in the 21st century. The work initiated by these Acts has, however, contributed to an ongoing dialogue about race and equality in the UK.

These legislative changes reflected a growing societal awareness and commitment to tackling racial inequality, though the work to create a truly inclusive society continues.