Stickers inspired by the late Conservative MP Enoch Powell’s notorious “Rivers of Blood” speech have appeared on lampposts in Ealing, prompting concern and condemnation from local residents and councillors.
The stickers, which feature Powell’s image against a Union Jack with the slogan “One day the people of this nation will wake up,” have been plastered across the borough, including Ranelagh Road near Ealing Broadway. Residents say the message is a direct reference to Powell’s divisive 1968 speech, widely criticised for fuelling racism and anti-immigrant sentiment.
Local resident Arun Malik-McLean said he was determined to remove the stickers whenever they appeared. Writing on Facebook, he said: “I’ve noticed Enoch Powell stickers appearing on lampposts – like this one on Ranelagh Road. To whoever is putting these up: I will keep taking them down every time I see them.”
He added: “I’m also part of this nation you claim to care about, and I won’t stand by while you try to stir up hatred or division in our area. Real British values include mutual respect, decency, and tolerance, so take your far-right nationalist crap elsewhere. It’s not welcome here.”
Ealing Liberal Democrat leader, Councillor Gary Malcolm, also condemned the stickers. He told EALING.NEWS: “Liberal Democrats are disgusted when we see stickers like these or their racist language. I totally condemn these racist Enoch Powell stickers appearing in Ealing and hope the police and Ealing Council can stop more of these being placed on lampposts.”
