During a Conservative Party meeting in Birmingham, Enoch Powell, a British politician known for his outspoken views, delivered a speech that would resonate through British political discourse for years. In his address, titled 'Rivers of Blood,' Powell articulated his concerns about the growing number of immigrants from the Commonwealth and the potential social upheaval he believed might result. He famously employed vivid imagery, including the statement about the Tiber River foaming with blood, to describe the consequences of unchecked immigration, suggesting a future where racial conflict might arise. Powell's rhetoric drew from historical and literary references to evoke a strong emotional response from his audience.

The reactions to Powell's speech were immediate and polarized. Supporters applauded his candidness and willingness to address uncomfortable truths, while opponents condemned him for fostering racism and xenophobia. Many civil rights organizations and political figures criticized him, arguing that his language incited racial hatred and went against the principles of a multicultural society. Additionally, major newspapers and television networks debated the moral implications of broadcasting his speech, highlighting its divisive effect on public opinion.

In the aftermath, Powell was dismissed from his shadow cabinet position, but he quickly became a symbol for many people who felt unheard in the rapidly changing social landscape of Britain. The speech not only impacted Powell's career but also influenced the subsequent political landscape as immigration and race became contentious topics within British politics. The rhetoric surrounding Powell's address continues to be referenced in discussions about immigration policy and national identity in the UK.