Wolverhampton Literature Festival set for Enoch Powell debate hosted by Express & Star
It was an incendiary political speech that still divides opinion to this day.
When Enoch Powell spoke of Rivers of Blood 50 years ago, little did he know the lasting impression his words would have on the people of this region and further afield.
Some say his speech prompted division and stirred racial tensions, while others insist it brought people closer together and set the foundations for Wolverhampton to become one of the country's most multi-cultural cities.
Half a century on, it is still the subject of books, academic works and public discussion.
To mark its 50th anniversary, the Express & Star is hosting a debate on the impact of Powell's words as part of the second annual Wolverhampton Literature Festival.
And we want as many of our readers as possible to witness the event live.
The debate takes place on Saturday January 27 at 2.30pm at the University of Wolverhampton's MC001 building.
Entry is free and no prior booking or tickets are required.
It will be hosted by Express & Star editor Keith Harrison and feature a panel who all have a personal interest in Powell and the impact his words have had on modern day Britain.
On the panel is the Labour MP for Wolverhampton South West, Eleanor Smith.
She is the first black MP in the West Midlands, and said after she won Powell’s old seat at last year’s general election: “I feel it closes that chapter now for good.”
Express & Star columnist Nigel Hastilow is also taking part.
He was sacked as a Conservative Party candidate in the 2007 election after writing a column that included the statement: "Enoch Powell was right."
UKIP MEP and Dudley councillor Bill Etheridge, who echoed Powell's words in a controversial speech of his own in November 2015, will also make an appearance.
Mr Etheridge said today: "Enoch Powell has continued to polarise opinion. I am looking forward to what should be an extremely interesting debate."
Also on the panel is journalist and political commentator Nick Jones, who has written extensively about his father and former Express & Star editor Clem Jones’ relationship with Powell.
City Labour councillor and former Mayor Milkinder Jaspal, and the former Conservative MP for Powell's old seat, Paul Uppal, will make up the panel.
Questions have been flooding in for the event, a selection of which will be posed to the panel.
Subject to time constraints, there will also be an opportunity for audience members to put their questions to the panel on the day.
Date and time: January 27, 2.30pm.
Venue: The University of Wolverhampton, MC001 building (Ambika Paul entrance)
Entry: Free
