Immigration Crisis Could Cause Social Unrest and Feed Votes to Extremist Politics, Says Think Tank Chief

Alexander Downer made the comments as report suggests opening up a safe and legal route for ‘genuine’ refugees in UK to tackle the small boats surge.

Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Alexander Downer is pictured at Number 11 Downing Street in London on Jan. 24, 2017. Jack Taylor/Getty Images

The UK’s ongoing illegal immigration crisis could spark social unrest and feed votes to extremist political movements, a former Australian foreign affairs minister has said.

Alexander Downer warned that government failure to get a grip on current uncontrolled levels of immigration will force the British public to “look elsewhere” for solutions.