Britain’s economic downturn could lead to an increase in violent crime, burglaries and far-right extremism, according to a leaked Home Office document.
The draft letter from the Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, entitled "Responding to Economic Challenges", warns the Prime Minister of the potential social effects of recession. Based on models from the 1991-92 recession, the document also predicts rises in alcohol and tobacco smuggling, increased intolerance towards migrants and increased support for radical Islamist groups.
The Home Office further warned that an individual’s “real or perceived sense of disadvantage” may lead to a rise in extremism. “Grievances based on experiencing racism is one of the factors that can lead to people becoming terrorists," the report stated.
A Home Office spokeswoman said on Monday that the government was confident it had “the right systems in place to respond flexibly to changing economic needs, and are well-positioned to face future challenges."
However, Shadow Home Secretary Dominic Grieve said the Home Office was "patently not equipped to cope" with the economic downturn.
