A reconsideration of Lord Scarman's inquiry into the Brixton riots of April 1981
In recent decades, scholars of contemporary British history have grappled with the perceived changes in British society which characterised the post-war era. One of those changes involved race, and the interactions between black and Asian communities and the Establishment. This thesis is centred around one key event when, from 10-12 April 1981, Brixton was the scene of violent confrontations between largely young, largely black residents and the police. In the immediate aftermath the Home Secretary, William Whitelaw, appointed Lord Scarman to head an inquiry into what had occurred, which proved controversial and was boycotted by some Brixton based community groups. Scarman's report was published in November 1981 and the government publicly accepted its recommendations. However, recently declassified and newly available documents have allowed for this thesis to reconsider the inquiry and how it was received. It examines the inquiry process and the opposition to it; how the inquiry was perceived by the government and whether Scarman's recommendations were implemented; and what newly available witness testimony tells us about the events of 10-12 April. The analysis indicates that the side-lining of this testimony
Craddock, Emma
Riots
A reconsideration of Lord Scarman's inquiry into the Brixton riots of April 1981. In recent decades, scholars of contemporary British history have grappled with the perceived changes in British society which characterised the post-war era. One of those changes involved race, and the interactions between black and Asian communities and the Establishment. This thesis is centred around one key event when, from 10-12 April 1981, Brixton was the scene of violent confrontations between largely young, largely black residents and the police. In the immediate aftermath the Home Secretary, William Whitelaw, appointed Lord Scarman to head an inquiry into what had occurred, which proved controversial and was boycotted by some Brixton based community groups. Scarman's report was published in November 1981 and the government publicly accepted its recommendations. However, recently declassified and newly available documents have allowed for this thesis to reconsider the inquiry and how it was received. It examines the inquiry process and the opposition to it; how the inquiry was perceived by the government and whether Scarman's recommendations were implemented; and what newly available witness testimony tells us about the events of 10-12 April. The analysis indicates that the side-lining of this testimony
reconsideration lord inquiry riot scholar contemporary british history grapple perceive change british_society characterise post_war era change involve race interaction black asian community establishment centre_around one_key event scene violent confrontation largely young largely black resident police immediate_aftermath home secretary william appoint lord head inquiry occur prove controversial base community group report_publish government publicly accept recommendation however recently newly_available document allow reconsider inquiry receive examines inquiry process opposition inquiry perceive government whether recommendation implement newly_available witness testimony tell event analysis_indicate side lining testimony