Between 1948 and 1962 workers from the British colonies could migrate to Britain without restriction, until 1962 every Commonwealth citizen was entitled to enter the United Kingdom at will. This right had been freely exercised for many years but it was only in the 10 years from 1952 onwards that substantial numbers of people from the Commonwealth began to think of settling in Britain. Under the British Nationality Act 1948, citizens of British colonies could simply apply to the Home Office for registration of British nationality and were issued with certificates.
The South Asian citizens who could obtain certificates included many who came to Britain from other colonies, such as indentured labourers from the West Indies and families who had settled in East Africa. Read more about records for Asians who had migrated to the colonies.
How was the social landscaping changing?
After the Second World War the political and social landscape changed dramatically. Large numbers of migrants from West Indian and Asian countries began to migrate to Britain in order to fill jobs that British public were not filling. Through this distinct youth culture began to evolve - 'teddy boys' were a common occurrence on the streets of Britain. However this also caused a negative impact as well as positive across Britain such as the racial attacks that occurred in Notting Hill in London in August 1958.
How did the changing social landscape lead to ‘racialisation’ of British politics?
The increase in immigrants coming into Britain led to the British government putting in tighter legislation in to decrease the amount of immigration. Since there was a decrease in British jobs. This legislation meant that only British Citizens, who strong ties to the UK, Channel Islands and the Island of man, had the right to work and live in the UK. This also lead to an ooutsider Conservative MP Enoch Powell claiming the country to be 'mad' to allow such a high number of immigrants into the country in what is now known as 'The River's of Blood' speech.
