Who is Enoch Powell and did he inspire the far-right extremist movement in the UK?

“In this country in 15 or 20 years’ time, the black man will have the whip hand over the white man.”

Over half a century ago Conservative MP Enoch Powell gave a controversial anti-immigrant speech that was one of the most pivotal moments in British political history.

The “Rivers of Blood” speech divided Britain and attacks against ethnic minorities escalated in the years that followed. Today, as racial-tension have escalated in the UK, Powell is seen as a symbol for the far-right and his rhetoric is once again in mainstream political debate.

Let’s take a look at that notorious speech that ended Powell’s political career.