"It has been said that the test of a civilised country is how it treats its Jews. I would extend that and say that the test of a civilised country is how it behaves to all its citizens of different race, religion and colour. By that test this Bill fails, and that is fundamentally why we deplore it. Of course, there are some people who will be glad. I have no doubt that there will be some Fascists who will claim this as the first victory they have ever won. ... I beg the Government now, at this last minute, to drop this miserable, shameful, shabby Bill. Let them think, consult and inquire before they deal another deadly blow at the Commonwealth."
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Anti-apartheid activistsMembers of the Parliament of the United KingdomActivists from EnglandLabour Party (UK) politiciansUniversity College London faculty
Original Language: English
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Speech in the House of Commons against the Commonwealth Immigrants Bill (16 November 1961)
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Hugh_Gaitskell
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Hugh Gaitskell
Hugh Todd Naylor Gaitskell (9 April 1906 – 18 January 1963) was a British politician and leader of the Labour Party from 1955 until his death.
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