White working class feel 'excluded'

Traditional white, working class communities in England feel "under pressure" from social and economic changes, ministers are to warn.

Communities Secretary John Denham will launch a major Government initiative aimed at tackling feelings of "unfairness" and exclusion.

Mr Denham will name 27 areas which will be targeted with new funding to help lift the pressures caused by the recession.

It comes amid fears they may be open to extremist political messages amid the economic turmoil.

The launch comes as academics reveal "traditional" communities such as those seen in EastEnders and Coronation Street feel ignored by society and excluded from politics.

Feelings of isolation and unfairness can lead them to taking "extreme" political views, the Institute of Community Cohesion warned.

Academic director Professor Harris Beider said tight knit family structures of the 1950s had gone, along with important institutions like trade unions and working mens' clubs.

There are fears within Government that failing to address the concerns of these communities and feelings of exclusion from mainstream politics could leave them open to extremist messages.

Mr Denham will tell an audience in central London that ministers are committed to "fairness" and not favouring "special interest groups".

He will say: "We will make it clear that Government is committed to making sure, in every community, in every corner of this country, people know we are on their side. No favours. No privileges. No special interest groups. Just fairness."