RECENT research by Bristol University, Ethnic Diversity and Public Policy in Britain, found that there are no immigrant ghettos in Britain. However, there are many ghettos – but they are usually overwhelmingly white.

Ghettos are characterised by high rates of alcoholism, drug use, ill health and generation after generation living in the same place in conditions of chronic poverty.

Such ghettos do exist and many of the worst are in Scotland and here in the North-East.

The most notorious “ghetto” in the UK is the virtually all-white district of Shettleston, Glasgow, where average life expectancy for men in some parts is just over 50 years. Similar ghettos exist in Sunderland and Newcastle.

Moreover, mini ghettos can be found in almost every ex-mining village in County Durham.

Spennymoor, where Euro election BNP candidate Adam Walker lives, is not a ghetto, but shops are closing, the town centre is run down and better-educated young people are moving away.

None of the problems of Glasgow, Sunderland or Spennymoor for that matter have been caused by immigrants.

The shipyards, forges, mines and factories were not closed by Asian kebab shop owners or Polish vegetable pickers.

The decisions to close these workplaces were made by wealthy, white British capitalists and their lackeys in government.

John Gilmore, Bishop Auckland