THE TELEGRAPH: The recession could lead to an increase in support for right-wing political groups, the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams has warned.
Dr Williams said that public anger, caused by rising unemployment and falling house prices, may lead to xenophobia and prejudice.
He claimed the recent election of a British National Party councillor in Kent was a warning sign that must not be ignored.
His comments come amid growing concern about the social unrest that could be triggered by the worsening economy.
Last week it emerged that riot police fear Britain is heading for a "summer of rage" as middle-class victims of the recession join activists to hold mass protests outside bank headquarters.
Thousands of workers at oil refineries and power stations across the country staged walkouts recently after Italian and Portuguese staff were given jobs at Lindsey Oil Refinery in North Lincolnshire ahead of local workers.
A leaked Home Office memo written last year also predicted that crime and racial tensions will rise during the recession, while funding cuts could make it more difficult for police to cope.
The letter written by Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary, warned that financial hardship could increase hostility towards immigrants and drive voters into the arms of the far-right BNP – which could in turn see victims of racism turn to terrorism. >>> By Martin Beckford, Religious Affairs Correspondent | Tuesday, March 3, 2009
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