On 9 May 2011 two Australian university researchers published evidence confirming the use of virginity tests in 1976-9 at British embassies in India on 82 women who were applying for visas to come to Britain to get married. Until now the government has only acknowledged having carried out two such tests – both at Heathrow airport. These intrusive and degrading tests were carried out under the Labour government of James Callaghan. While Home Secretary in an earlier Labour administration, Callaghan had brought in the 1968 Commonwealth Immigration Act, which placed restrictions on immigrants from former British colonies, on the grounds they had ‘no substantial connection’ with Britain – even though the legacy of empire meant that they were British passport holders. Between Labour administrations, the Conservative government of Edward Heath introduced further restrictions under the 1971 Immigration Act, which Labour politicians claimed to oppose but went on to operate fully when returned to government in 1974.
