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How Did Immigration Stop Being a Political Taboo in the UK?

How did immigration stop being a political taboo in the UK?

Brexit showed that the issue is now among the most important for British voters. And that’s likely to continue in June’s UK general election, as major parties have made their positions on immigration central to their campaigns.
And yet for decades, immigration was a no-go area for mainstream debate. Following racial tensions in the 1960s, it came to be perceived as a proxy for racism. Today it is one of the most salient issues in British politics. What changed?

Producer: Estelle Doyle
Presenter: Ruth Alexander

(Photo: Border Force check the passports of passengers arriving at Gatwick Airport in London, England. Credit: Getty images)

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23 minutes

Last on

Mon 22 May 201703:06GMT

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  • Thu 18 May 201701:06GMT
  • Thu 18 May 201706:06GMT
  • Thu 18 May 201707:06GMT
  • Thu 18 May 201713:06GMT
  • Thu 18 May 201714:06GMT
  • Thu 18 May 201719:06GMT
  • Sat 20 May 201723:06GMT
  • Mon 22 May 201703:06GMT

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