Was Enoch Powell right?

[Moose423956]

Given that a Tory has resigned for expressing the view that Enoch Powell was right in his "Rivers of blood" speech about immigration, what does the esteemed panel think?

Personally, I believe Nigel Hastilow was expressing a view held by a lot of concerned people in this country, irrespective of whether or not you agree with his views. Isn't that his job, to relate the views held by the electorate? If so, was he right to resign?

[BrilloPad]

Just to be clear on his comments :-
"When you ask most people in the Black Country what the single biggest problem facing the country is, most say immigration. Many insist: 'Enoch Powell was right'."

Which goes to prove that far too many stupid people are allowed an opinion. I bet he picked sun readers. Immigration many be entirely positive but without it we would be in the carp. Or maybe the sheet.

[beaker]

Isn't that his job, to relate the views held by the electorate? If so, was he right to resign?

Yes, unless your electorate is a bunch of racists Don't you know you can't say those kind of things these days. You might risk offending someone who probably isn't even an immigrant. Please try to keep up.

[wendigo100]

There is some truth in what Enoch Powell said. Although "rivers of blood" is stretching it a bit far, there are tensions building up in various places.

However, the tories are on a de-tox, and something like this can be deliberately misinterpreted by opponents.

[beaker]

"Nigel says in his letter of resignation that he's sorry that his remarks about immigration have undermined the good work that David Cameron has done on this sensitive issue, and also on other issues."

Err... what good work has David Cameron done on this issue?

[Spacecadet]

There is some truth in what Enoch Powell said. Although "rivers of blood" is stretching it a bit far, there are tensions building up in various places.

Or complete truth if you're a daily mail reader.

Immigration has not been completely good for this country, but then there are very few things in life that come without drawbacks. Racial tensions are a drawback to immigration. Personally I feel that things could be a hell of a lot worse than they are. Generally people of all races get on with their lives in a peaceful friendly manner.

[wendigo100]

"Nigel says in his letter of resignation that he's sorry that his remarks about immigration have undermined the good work that David Cameron has done on this sensitive issue, and also on other issues."

Err... what good work has David Cameron done on this issue?

Dunno, but he mentioned limiting the I-word in parliament recently without being labelled a racist, so something has changed.

[NotAllThere]

Enoch Powell was more than right. He was Far Right.

[wendigo100]

Racial tensions are a drawback to immigration. Personally I feel that things could be a hell of a lot worse than they are. Generally people of all races get on with their lives in a peaceful friendly manner.

Agreed. But his prospective constituents were on about those places where they don't.

[sasguru]

Agreed. But his prospective constituents were on about those places where they don't.

Yes it's an interesting point. London hasn't had any race riots recently. It seems that happens when people are ghettoised as in Oldham and some areas in the North. The pressure of making a living in London probably doesn't leave any time for politics....