Councillor fears far right rise over Brexit

The far right in Renfrewshire has been emboldened by Brexit, an SNP councillor has warned, writes Jack Thomson, Local Democracy Reporter.

Michelle Campbell, an elected member for Erskine and Inchinnan, urged her peers to concentrate the debate surrounding leaving the European Union on the impact it has in their communities.

The appeal came after members argued over the prospect of a further referendum at Thursday’s council meeting.

But Councillor Campbell warned that should be the least of people’s concerns, when she said:“The only thing that concerns me about this debate is there’s no discussion about the impact on local communities.”

She then claimed Brexit“has emboldened the far right”and allowed people of extremist political leanings to “express themselves”.

Councillor Campbell added:“I was born in this country but when people look at me they make a judgement on what they see.

“I find it an utter disgrace that this has emboldened that argument.”

Fellow SNP Councillor Kenny MacLaren said people should take on board what the Erskine and Inchinnan member had said.

He said:“Councillor Campbell has passionately expressed all the concerns we have about Brexit and the right wing. We should take heed of what she is saying.”