‘Rivers of Blood’ speech, 50 years on: Setting the scene in 1968 | ITV News

Fifty years ago this week the Wolverhampton MP Enoch Powell made his controversial 'Rivers of Blood' speech.

Quoting from the Roman poet Virgil, he claimed that Britain's immigration policy would lead to widespread racial hatred and violence.

The speech presented to a group of Conservative supporters in Birmingham, caused outrage and led to his sacking from the shadow cabinet.

Five decades on, it still provokes strong emotions. In the first of a special series of reports, ITV Central’s Political Correspondent Alison Mackenzie sets the scene in 1968.

Click here for Part 2 - The truth behind the photo    • ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech, 50 years on...  

Click here to see Midlands politicians and the Chair of British Future discuss the speech on Central Lobby https://bit.ly/2HgVLui

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