|
More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
|
Enoch Powell
|
|
(b. 1912–98) Conservative politician (MP for Wolverhampton SW 1950–74, and for South Down 1974–87 as an Ulster Unionist), who has been one of the most eccentric figures on the recent political scene. A professor of Greek and author of several scholarly works and books of poems, he was also the leading demagogue on the issue of *immigration. He was dismissed from Edward Heath's shadow cabinet in 1968 after what became known as his 'rivers of blood' speech in Birmingham; within days there were strikes by workers in sympathy with him and hundreds of dockers marched to Westminster in his support. It was typical that his actual words had been drily pedantic and seemingly far removed from the passions he inflamed: 'As I look ahead, I am filled with foreboding. Like the Roman, I seem to see "the river Tiber foaming with much blood".'
|
|
|
|