Prince Charles Warns Of Rise Of Populism In Radio 4's Thought Of The Day

Prince Charles has warned against the rise of populist groups that persecute minority faiths, something he said has “deeply disturbing echoes of the dark days of the 1930s”.

The heir to the throne was speaking on Radio 4’s ‘Thought of the Day’ segment on Thursday morning and addressed the increase of anti-refugee sentiment in Britain and the wider world.

He said: “We are now seeing the rise of many populist groups across the world that are increasingly aggressive to those who adhere to a minority faith. All of this has deeply disturbing echoes of the dark days of the 1930s.

“My parents’ generation fought and died in a battle against intolerance, monstrous extremism and inhuman attempts to exterminate the Jewish population of Europe.

“That nearly 70 years later we should still be seeing such evil persecution is to me beyond all belief.

“We owe it to those who suffered and died so horribly not to repeat the horrors of the past.”

Although he did not mention any politicians and groups by name, some including Deputy Editor of the Guardian, Paul Johnson, saw the speech as a veiled reference to the election of Donald Trump and the rise of far-right groups across Europe.

The Prince went on to urge people to remember the Nativity story “unfolds with the fleeing of the holy family to escape violent persecution”, saying Jesus and Muhammad would both be considered refugees today.

He added: “We might also remember that when the prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina, he did so because he too was seeking the freedom for himself and his followers to worship.

“Whichever religious path we follow the destination is the same. To value and respect the other person, accepting their right to live out their peaceful response to the love of God.”