Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Written Statement on Southall riot

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: Huddersfield, Yorkshire
Source: Thatcher Archive
Editorial comments: Marked for immediate release; morning. MT devoted her first speech of the day - in Huddersfield - to comments on the Southall riot the previous evening and it seems likely that the statement was issued first thing in the morning forming the basis of part of her speech.
Importance ranking: Minor
Word count: 102
Themes: Law & order, Race, immigration, nationality

The dreadful and tragic events at Southall are a disgrace to democracy, and must be dealt with by the full might and power of the law. We welcome the inquiry that has been set up.

The foundation of a civilised society is respect for the law and it is the duty of every citizen to support the police in their difficult and dangerous task. We are mindful of the risks they daily undergo, on our behalf.

We totally condemn the racial policies of the National Front and have no sympathy whatsoever with any extremist groups.

The way to beat them is by the ballot box not by bricks and bombs.