Southall Riots

In the late 70s and early 80s, there were two major civil disturbances that changed race relations for British Indians. Both were in Southall, in reaction to right-wing provocation. A new generation of community leaders and British-born Asians were tired of the stereotype of being humble victims, unwilling to stand up for themselves against an increasingly vocal, and politically potent, right-wing.

These two clips show those events. The first is the Southall Riots of 1979, in reaction to an NF rally being held in Southall. The second is the Burning of the Hambrough Tavern when a right-wing band played there, with large numbers of skinheads causing trouble in the town.

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About Ash Bhardwaj

A storyteller, teacher, explorer, writer and sportsman. I'm currently producing a documentary, taking my father's ashes to India, and looking at what migrant heritage means to mixed-race people in Britain. I write, make short films and I'm working on a project to see how much you can change your life in one year.
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2 Responses to Southall Riots

  1. I was really happy to stumble on your blog. The fight against prejudice British Asian people faced in the 70′s and early 80′s is a story that is not told too often.

  2. Ash Bhardwaj says:

    Thanks. I’m glad you enjoyed it. You’re right that not much has been done about it. I’d like to change that.

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