Express & Star

Nine thousand have their say over Enoch Powell's proposed blue plaque – but what do you think?

More than 9,000 people have had their say over whether Enoch Powell should get a blue plaque in Wolverhampton.

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Enoch Powell

Debate has been raging on the topic ever since it was revealed that Wolverhampton's Civic Society had received an application for the plaque.

Express & Star readers were asked if the former Wolverhampton South West MP, famous for his Rivers of Blood speech, should be honoured with a plaque or not - and two thirds believe he should.

As it stands 68 per cent of voters believe there should be a plaque, with 32 per cent saying no.

What do you think? Vote in our poll below

As well as casting their vote, hundreds of readers have also been arguing the case as to why Powell should, or should not, get a blue plaque.

Jodie O'Sullivan said: "He was a well respected man and a politician. Whatever he said at the time was what he believed whether true or not. He should have a plaque like every other important person from Wolverhampton."

Lizzie Shaw agreed that Powell should get a plaque, saying: "Whether his visions were politically correct or not, he’s a part of history.

"Yes he said that back then but how much have we evolved in society? The Vikings were barbaric but York honours them. It's part of history, we cannot change it but we can change the future."

Meanwhile Andy Rand added: "Yes there should be a plaque. It's an historical reference point and encourages people to learn about the past."

However plenty of readers also made it clear that a blue plaque for Enoch Powell would not be welcomed.

Stewart Whittingham said: "People are saying he spoke the truth and his predictions where correct, yet the bloke was a massive hypocrite. He wanted to be the viceroy of India, yet his in his Rivers of blood speech he quotes: 'In this country in 15 or 20 years' time the black man will have the whip hand over the white man.'

"I’m sure there’s more worthy people out there for a blue plaque."

Viv Dei simply added: "Hell no he is definitely not worthy of a plaque, that's a joke."

And Colin Peplow quipped: "100 per cent yes he should get a plaque, it's always good to know where the village idiot grew up."