Responses to multiculturalism in the past

• Some viewed immigration as a threat to traditional British values, which they linked to Christianity even if they had no real connections with any church
• Emotive and inflammatory language was used, such as talk of 'being swamped' and Enoch Powell's speech in 1968, warning of disastrous results
• In modern times, feelings perpetuated by Enoch Powell has been encouraged by some political parties
• Most people saw multiculturalism as an opportunity for enrichment
• For many, there was a desire to respect and protect all cultures
• For many, multiculturalism was seen as a way of promoting tolerance and equal opportunities in all aspects of British life