By Paul Behan

Copyright dailyrecord

Members of South Ayrshire Council will be asked to call out “hateful” and “blatantly racist” campaigns against asylum seekers at their meeting later this month. A Motion has been lodged by Ward 1 Troon SNP Councillor, Craig Mackay and seconded by Ward 7 Maybole, North Carrick and Coylton Councillor Brian Connolly. The motion will ask elected members to note, with “deep concern” the rise in far-right ideologies, and in particular the “hateful and blatantly racist campaigns” against asylum seekers. The motion continues: “South Ayrshire has a proud history of offering refuge and sanctuary to those seeking safety, most recently including those fleeing from Ukraine – many of whom are now well integrated within our communities. “Recent demonstrations involving those with far-right views outside hotels housing asylum seekers in both England and Scotland, together with extremist content promoted online and through social media by far-right groups and political parties, must be called out and condemned.” Members of the full council will meet to discuss a range of issues at County Buildings on Thursday, September 18. And Cllr Mackay’s motion is expected to prompt a fascinating discussion. Cll Mackay’s motion continues: “Far-right groups have clearly been subverting public discourse, spreading misinformation, and exploiting economic hardship by scapegoating migrants and other marginalised communities. Such behaviour and the influence it has on wider society is a threat to the compassionate and inclusive values we hold in South Ayrshire.” The motion requests that council “reaffirms its commitment to human dignity, freedom and equality. Council publicly condemns the rise of extreme rhetoric in UK politics and commits to challenging hate and division wherever it arises.”