Demos study highlights young disillusioned and racist European youth

Some very interesting research out this morning from UK think tank Demos which has identified a new generation of populist activists in 12 European countries, at odds with mainstream politics and determined to counter what they see as an erosion of cultural identity.

The study has disturbingly found groups defined by their opposition to immigration, their anti-establishment tendencies and their concern for protecting national and European culture.

Maybe more worrying is that these groups which include Bloc Identitaire (France), the British National Party (UK), Die Freiheit (Germany), Lega Nord (Italy) and the Danish People’s Party (Denmark)are using online tools such as social networking sites like Facebook to swap ideas.

The report warns that the rise of populism across Europe cannot be understood without taking into account these ‘keyboard warriors’ and what drives their political outlook.

The group are generally men under 30 years old,who have high levels of disillusionment with mainstream political institutions and their countries’ justice systems.

They join the groups out of fears that immigration and multiculturalism are destroying national values and culture.They also display shockingly low levels of trust in their countries’ judicial systems and associate the EU with “not enough control over external borders’ and a ‘loss of cultural identity.”

Jamie Bartlett, Head of the Violence and Extremism Programme at Demos and author of the report said
“While many European countries have their eyes fixed on their economies, another crisis of confidence is brewing. Young men across Europe, feeling let down by their politicians and traditional parties, are turning their sympathies to populist groups.

Far from risky-get investing in creativity reports tells banks

British fashion designers, music producers and gaming firms risk going bust or being poached overseas because of a myth that they are a risky financial investment.

That's the conclusion of a report to be published by think tank Demos and previewed in this morning's Independent on Sunday.

According to the paper,the report suggests that far from being risky, creative industries might even be less risky "as a result of the passion, dedication and skill of the individuals involved".

It will criticise the way the Government treats the sector, suggesting that the definition is confusing and ignores lucrative areas of business. It is also claimed that banks are too quick to write off firms looking for financial backing. Fashion and music companies are considered too risky, while video games firms often struggle to qualify for research and development tax credits. The report will also suggest the BBC be forced to commission more programmes from independent producers.