Racism and Its Opponents in Britain

This section explores racism and Its opponents in Britain. The 20th century saw significant challenges to racial equality in Britain, with racism often manifesting through violence, political rhetoric, and social exclusion. After the Second World War, the increase in immigration, particularly from the Caribbean, South Asia, and Africa, led to tensions within British society. Many white Britons were unsettled by the arrival of these new communities, and racist violence became more prominent in certain areas, particularly in the late 1950s and 1960s.

One of the most notable examples of racist violence was the Notting Hill Riots in 1958. This violent unrest was driven by gangs of white youths, often referred to as 'Teddy boys', who targeted black men, particularly those in relationships with white women. These riots reflected broader social anxieties about race and immigration in Britain. The tensions that had been simmering for some years came to a head in the summer of 1958, when the violence resulted in significant damage to property and the injury of several people.

A year later, in 1959, the murder of Kelso Cochrane, a West Indian carpenter in Notting Hill, highlighted the growing racial hostility in London. Cochrane's killing, which was believed to be racially motivated, shocked both the black and white communities. The case gained national attention, especially given that Sir Oswald Mosley, the leader of the British fascist movement in the 1930s, was running for the position of Member of Parliament in the area. Mosley's inflammatory rhetoric, which played on racial fears, was believed to have stirred tensions further. Following the murder, there was a public outcry, and Mosley was soundly defeated in the election, reflecting growing opposition to racist politics.

Racist Politics and the Rise of Xenophobic Rhetoric

The 1960s saw further examples of racial prejudice in British politics, culminating in more overt expressions of anti-immigrant sentiment.

One of the most notorious examples was the Smethwick election of 1964. Smethwick, a constituency in the Midlands, had experienced a growing sense of hostility towards the increasing numbers of black and Asian families moving into the area. During the election, a Conservative candidate, Peter Griffiths, campaigned using the slogan “If you want a n****r for a neighbour, vote Labour”. This openly racist message helped him win the election and shocked the nation. Malcolm X, a prominent African-American civil rights leader, visited Smethwick in 1965 and met with local black residents, urging them to stand up for their rights. His visit highlighted the growing consciousness of black identity and activism in Britain during this period.

The rhetoric against immigration was further fuelled by Enoch Powell, a Conservative politician who became infamous for his "Rivers of Blood" speech in 1968. Powell argued that an influx of non-white immigrants would lead to racial violence similar to that experienced in the United States during the civil rights movement. He warned that the increasing number of immigrants, particularly from the Indian subcontinent, was creating social divisions, causing overcrowding, and taking away jobs from British citizens. Powell’s controversial speech was widely condemned but also garnered support from those who feared the loss of a “British identity” and were opposed to the changing demographic landscape.

Political and Community Activism Against Racism

In response to this climate of racial hostility, many individuals and groups began to advocate for racial equality and challenge discriminatory practices. Claudia Jones, an immigrant from Trinidad, became one of the most prominent figures in this struggle. She played a key role in supporting the West Indian community in Britain, offering a powerful counter-narrative to the rising tide of racism.

Born in Trinidad in 1915, Claudia Jones migrated to New York with her family in 1924, and became politically active, joining the Young Communist League of America. She was arrested and imprisoned for her activism in the 1950s and was eventually deported to Britain in 1955. Upon arriving in London, she began working to improve the lives of West Indian immigrants and in 1958 founded the West Indian Gazette, a newspaper dedicated to the interests of the West Indian community in Britain.

One of Claudia Jones’ most significant contributions was her involvement in organising the first Caribbean Carnival in London in 1959. Originally held indoors at St. Pancras Town Hall, this event was intended as a celebration of Caribbean culture. Following her death in 1964, the carnival moved outdoors and became the now-famous Notting Hill Carnival, which continues to be one of the largest street festivals in Europe. Jones' efforts provided a platform for the expression of Caribbean identity and culture, and she became a symbol of resistance against racism.

Racism and the Legislative Response

In response to the widespread discrimination and racial hostility, Britain began to pass laws aimed at tackling racism and promoting equality. The 1965 Race Relations Act was one of the first pieces of legislation to address racial discrimination in public places, making it illegal to refuse service based on race. Further legislation followed, including the 1968 Race Relations Act, which extended the scope of the law to include discrimination in housing and employment.

Despite these legal advances, racism continued to be a persistent problem, especially in terms of housing and employment. Immigrants from the Caribbean, South Asia, and other parts of the Commonwealth still faced significant barriers to integration, and overt racism remained a feature of many communities. However, these laws represented an important step in challenging the societal norms that had allowed racial prejudice to persist.

Religion and Diversity in 20th Century Britain

Throughout the 20th century, Britain also experienced growing religious diversity, particularly with the arrival of migrants from countries where Islam, Hinduism, and Sikhism were predominant. These migrants brought with them new religious practices, adding another layer to the cultural diversity of Britain.

Britain began to develop a more tolerant approach to religion, allowing people of different faiths to practice their religion openly. The construction of places of worship for these faiths became more common in the 20th century. For example, the first purpose-built mosque in England opened in Woking in 1889, and many more followed in the latter half of the 20th century. The first purpose-built Hindu temple in Britain opened in 1981 in Neasden, North London, reflecting the growing presence and recognition of Hinduism in Britain.

These developments reflected a broader acceptance of religious diversity, and by the late 20th century, Britain had become a multicultural society where different religious communities could coexist alongside the traditional Christian majority. However, the challenge of achieving true religious tolerance remained, as tensions sometimes flared, particularly with the rise of Islamophobia in the early 21st century, which further demonstrated the complex relationship between race, religion, and identity.

Conclusion

Racism and discrimination remained significant issues in Britain throughout the 20th century. While there were many instances of racial violence, discriminatory politics, and social exclusion, there were also strong responses from political and community activists, like Claudia Jones, who helped lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and tolerant society. The establishment of laws like the Race Relations Acts and the growth of religious and cultural diversity in Britain were key milestones in the country's long journey towards racial equality. However, the legacy of racism and the challenges of achieving full integration and equality for all remain issues that continue to be debated and addressed in contemporary Britain.