THE GUARDIAN: Recession misery could boost Britain's far-right / Britain's BNP using tactics of European far-right / BNP targeting European parliament elections
LONDON (Reuters) - Far-right politicians in Britain are ready to tap into the misery of millions forced into the ranks of the unemployed during the recession, and are learning new tactics from allies across Europe.
While many voices are raised in support of more left-wing social democracy to counter the unfettered capitalism blamed for the financial crisis, the paradox is that extreme far-right groups may be the beneficiary, as in the 1930s Depression years.
Immigration is rising up the political agenda in Britain, where energy workers staged protests earlier this year about the use of imported foreign labour.
Polls show opinion turning against foreigners who are seen as unwelcome competition for ever more scarce jobs, wages, and social services -- and the far-right British National Party (BNP) is poised to feed on any unrest.
"In terms of support for the far-right, recession is certainly a major factor," said Dr Matthew Goodwin, a research fellow in political science at Manchester University.
"This is an absolutely critical moment. We're in the midst of an economic recession, there are record levels of public concern over immigration, the mainstream parties are pretty much crowding each other out in the centre ground -- and that leaves a lot of space on the fringes of the political spectrum."
Experts say there is now greater cross-border cooperation between far-right parties in Europe which could boost those -- like the BNP -- who lag behind.
The BNP has no representation at national level but its local council strength is growing and it has one seat on the high-profile London Assembly government of the capital. >>> By Kate Kelland | Thursday, March 19, 2009
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