Reports of racist leaflets delivered to houses in Oldham

An investigation has been launched into the leaflets – with Oldham Council reporting the incident to police.

One leaflet posted through doors claims “White Britons to be a Minority by the 2060s,” attributed to David Coleman, a former Oxford Professor who is an advisor to the pressure group Migration Watch UK, which campaigns for reduced immigration into the UK.

Research from academic Philip Rees and colleagues suggests white people will make up 70 per cent of the UK population into the 2060s.

In 2011, more than 87 per cent of the UK population was white.

Council leader Amanda Chadderton has released a statement on the matter.

Cllr Chadderton said: “We are aware of racist literature being posted through doors in Oldham by a far-right group, particularly around Royton.

“The council’s community safety team is aware of the issue, and this has been reported to Greater Manchester Police for action."

She added: “It’s vital that every resident in Oldham knows that racism has no place in our borough, or modern society, and hate speech is never acceptable.

“It is aimed at dividing our communities and turning us against each other.

“Oldham is wonderfully diverse with an inclusive spirit, and we know most people will be appalled at receiving this type of bigotry through their doors.

Cllr Chadderton (Image: Oldham Council)

“We are a proud borough and we won’t stand for the hate-fuelled agenda of nationalist groups that do not understand or appreciate the positives of a culturally diverse community, and do not have Oldham’s best interests at heart.

“We face a lot of challenges as a society, not least the cost of living crisis, and this type of propaganda is a distraction from the real action we need to see in our town.

One leaflet, which states 'White Britons to be a minority,’ was posted through people’s doors

“Do not be persuaded by this hateful material. It is not acceptable, it is a crime and it will not be tolerated.

“We encourage all residents to report incidents of hate speech and hate crime to Greater Manchester Police on 101 or using its online form to Report Hate Speech.”

Greater Manchester Police has been contacted for comment.