Posted 1st March 2023

In a 1990 interview with the Los Angeles Times, the conservative politician Norman Tebbit questioned the loyalty of Asian immigrants in Britain. Citing the comparison or example of cricket - a prominent sport in the Indian subcontinent – he stated, "A significant section of Britain's Asian population fails the cricket test." Which team do they support? According to Tebbit, all British people must be devoted to the nation. Rather than fostering community cohesiveness, this test is likely to cause discord. 

Tebbit's remarks sparked a controversy in the United Kingdom, with members of Asian communities deeming them offensive and disrespectful. Lawmakers shared the same fury. Jeff Rooker, a Labour MP, advocated for Tebbit to be prosecuted for inciting racial hate, stating, "He is a shrewd politician who uses euphemisms about cricket." Paddy Ashdown, leader of the Liberal Democrats, hoped that Margaret Thatcher, leader of the Conservatives, would denounce the "outrageous and harmful words." Unsurprisingly, it did not arrive.

Tebbits' rhetoric and official ideas simply fanned resentment and anger against immigrants, and even worse, created a precedent for racist ideology in society. Therefore, what type of government changes can we or may we anticipate from policymakers such as Tebbit and his peers? Particularly in areas where immigrants are expected to have the most impact, like immigration, employment, and housing.