Britain has witnessed this dangerous pattern before. The current anti-immigration rhetoric poisoning political discourse echoes a long history of Right-wing politicians exploiting migrant concerns for electoral gain. Political columnist Paul Routledge traces this troubling legacy from post-war Britain to today's divisive climate.
The modern precedent began with Enoch Powell's infamous "Rivers of Blood" speech in Birmingham in April 1968. The Conservative MP demanded voluntary repatriation of migrants whilst opposing race relations reform, despite annual arrivals of just 50,000 people. London dockers and Smithfield Market porters marched to Westminster in support, whilst polls in the 1960s and 70s showed most Britons backed his views.
Though officially condemned by Conservative leadership, the party profited from Powell's divisive politics. The rhetoric undoubtedly helped Ted Heath secure a surprise victory in the 1970 election, establishing a template for political opportunism that endures today.
Echoes across decades
"Enoch was Right" became the rallying cry of far-right groups for decades, appearing on T-shirts, badges and placards across Britain. Even Margaret Thatcher praised his "valid argument" in 1990, shortly after resigning as Prime Minister.
The temptation to exploit immigration concerns has persisted into the 21st century. In 2007, Conservative candidate Nigel Hastilow resigned after proclaiming Powell "was right and immigration has changed the face of Britain dramatically". Nigel Farage picked up the torch in 2014, declaring "the principle is right".
Boris Johnson's successful Brexit campaign played on anti-migrant themes with his slogan of "getting our country back". Even Sir Keir Starmer faced criticism when his remark about "risking becoming an island of strangers" was seen as echoing Powell's language about becoming "strangers in their own country".
Modern extremes
Today's anti-immigration rhetoric has reached new extremes. Farage has unveiled plans to deport 600,000 asylum seekers through what he calls "Operation Restoring Justice", describing irregular migration as an "invasion" and warning of a "genuine threat to public order".
The scheme would require Britain to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights and suspend UN refugee conventions. Current asylum applications have reached a record 111,000 in the past year, with more than 28,000 Channel crossings recorded this year.
Only The i reports that Farage previously dismissed mass deportations as impossible, calling it "pointless even going there" just one year ago. The plan would cost £10 billion over five years, despite current annual spending of £5 billion on the asylum system.
Conscience and consequences
The rhetoric may change across generations, but the underlying message of divisiveness continues to poison public discourse. In Britain's increasingly polarised society, politicians must recognise the damage their words can inflict before speaking.
Knowing the historical harm caused by such language, political leaders must look to their consciences before opening their mouths. For the sake of decency and humanity - values they all claim to hold - Britain deserves better than this dangerous escalation of anti-immigration extremism.
Sources used: "The Mirror", "Independent", "Guardian", "The i", "Sky News", "Morning Star", "Express", "Chronicle Live", "Evening Standard"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
