The BNP, as a party that promotes and thrives on division and distrust, can only undermine what has already been achieved in Kingston. It is no coincidence that the BNP and EDL are raising their profile and presence at a time of economic downturn and future uncertainty. This generates anxiety and people become more inclined to look for someone to blame.

Last year, after the attack on the local mosque*, community leaders came together in solidarity with the Muslim community. Now the various communities that make up Kingston must draw together in response to the BNP's attempts to divide them and to identify any of their number as scapegoats for the difficulties of the rest.