Chinese city twinning link is ‘ a step too far’
Tory blasts its human rights record
A Tory councillor this week claimed Ayr shouldn’t be twinned with a Chinese city because of its “truly shocking human rights record”.
The ceremony to link Ayr with its new Chinese sister should have been “scrapped”, according to Conservative Martin Dowey.
Liaocheng’s alleged poor efforts on human rights should have put it off limits to such a move, he insisted.
And he claimed twinning Ayr with the Far Eastern city was a “step too far”.
His comments came as business leaders from the Shandong Province touched down for a business tour.
Cllr Dowey said: “We ( South Ayrshire Conservatives) do not object to the fact that we need to work with the Chinese and would welcome any investment they bring.
“Twinning, however, is a step too far. “Do we really want Ayr and South Ayrshire twinned with a city that’s human rights record is truly shocking?
“Churches have been bulldozed and people from both ethnic and minority groups have been persecuted in this city.
“There is also evidence of human rights lawyers routinely being beaten up by police within courts.”
But the council’s depute leader, Brian McGinley, said the visit had outlined “potential opportunities for business growth while also highlighting common ground and shared values”.
He added: “It’s clear that South Ayrshire is an attractive prospect for inward investment and we will continue to work with partners from across the world to help realise new opportunities for local business while also attracting inward investment and creating jobs.”
Do we really want Ayr twinned with a city that’s human rights record is truly shocking?