Home Office letter expressing concerns for the potential effects of the credit crunch is leaked

The weakened economy is causing concern for officials in the UK.  They have predicted that because of the credit crunch crime levels will spike.  Concerns were also brought up about border protection from illegal immigrants.

The Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, said in a letter "There is also a risk of a downturn increasing the appeal of far right extremism and racism, which presents a threat as there is evidence that grievances based on experiencing racism is one of the factors that can lead to people becoming terrorists." She added that "an economic downturn would place significant upward pressure on acquisitive crime and therefore overall crime figures."

Smith also noted in the letter concerns about border protection.  She said "Reduced revenue will put the agency's activities under pressure, in particular major programs, including those at the border, and case working activity."

Responding to the letter was Shadow Immigration Minister, Damian Green, who said "This rips the veil off the complacent comments we have been getting from Home Office ministers about how their performance is improving. It is clear that in almost all areas of the Home Office things are going to get worse. Ministers need to come clean on which operations at the border agency are under threat. If it includes any enforcement activities or the e-border system then our safety is under threat as result of Gordon Brown's economic mismanagement. If they are looking for ways to save money they should scrap the expensive and pointless ID card scheme straight away."

www.homeoffice.gov.uk