Powell’s ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech 56 years on (20th April 1968)
It is 56 years ago today, 20th April 1968, coincidentally, or not, the anniversary of Hitler’s birth, that Enoch Powell gave his ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech to a Birmingham Conservative Association.
No complete recording of the speech exists, but on the 50th anniversary the BBC broadcast a recreation which was read by an actor in segments with critical comment in each section.
Powell was sacked as a Shadow Minister for the speech and never recovered his standing in the Conservative Party. He remained however a significant figure in British politics in the years that followed.
The speech is an important part of British history and should certainly be recalled 56 years on. The question is how it is appropriate to do so. There is no reason why it should not be available in appropriate archives and libraries, together with any other related documentation, for researchers and other interested parties to review. However at the same time, amplifying Powell’s sentiments is highly questionable. Fortunately there appears to be little attempt to do that
Perhaps with racist sentiments widespread on the Tory frontbench and Nigel Farage an ever present media figure there is no need to do so.
Powell’s speech however is a reminder that far right racist views and the Tory Party are not a recent development.
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