George Monbiot is right (These riots are more than thuggery: they’re the outcome of 14 years of Tory race-baiting, 6 August), but the rot of governmental responsibility lies much deeper. As I pointed out over 20 years ago in my book Racism in Europe, extreme rightwing thugs had remained politically isolated until provided with some legitimacy by governments that themselves turned to anti-immigrant rhetoric. Both major parties, including Labour with its Immigration and Asylum Act of 1999, systematically created a hostile environment.
Immigrants were presented as problematic, a parasitic drain on the welfare state, rather than as major contributors to national wealth and a dynamic, rich culture. Unfortunately, heavier policing cannot provide a quick fix for street violence. The government needs to reverse its “Fortress Britain”, tough-on-immigration position to contain the further advance of Nigel Farage and xenophobia.
Neil MacMaster
Norwich
