039: 1981 Race Riots

During the summer of 1981; major UK cities such as London, Birmingham, Liverpool and Leeds were overcome with “race riots.” After decades of police harassment, brutality and racist attacks from numerous far right and fascist groups, as well as racist individuals.

We will be exploring the reasons for the riot: the political, social and economic climate. The role of policing in the build up and during the riots and the aftermath of the uprisings across the country.