historically - sci-fi gets a big boost when things are tough - people tend to retreat into fantasy - but i dont know if that will be true this time..

they're televising wars these days ...

It did get some serious scapegoating alright in the 80's with the video nasty witch hunt which led to the first Video Recording Act.

It was again subject to unfounded backlash after the Jamie Bulger Murder which almost (but thankfully didn't) lead to most nazi censorship law ever..

(btw I'm in Ireland no the UK though :) ).

I think you're absolutely right. People are still getting oppressed while many are starting to get depressed. Then there's another batch that's really pissed off and is ready to get violently...whether physical or verbal remains the question.