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)
Last on
Clips
![]()
"There needs to be conversation about what we mean by racism"
Duration: 01:37
![]()
"One of the most significant moments of the UK migration debate"
Duration: 02:06
![]()
The Making of a Taboo
Duration: 02:14
Broadcasts
- Thu 18 May 201701:06GMTBBC World Service except News Internet
- Thu 18 May 201706:06GMTBBC World Service Australasia, East and Southern Africa & East Asia only
- Thu 18 May 201707:06GMTBBC World Service Europe and the Middle East
- Thu 18 May 201713:06GMTBBC World Service Australasia
- Thu 18 May 201714:06GMTBBC World Service except Australasia & News Internet
- Thu 18 May 201719:06GMTBBC World Service except East and Southern Africa, News Internet & West and Central Africa
- Sat 20 May 201723:06GMTBBC World Service except News Internet
- Mon 22 May 201703:06GMTBBC World Service Australasia
Podcast
![]()
The Inquiry
The Inquiry explores the trends, forces and ideas shaping the world




