TRADE unionists have called for effective political leadership to defeat fascists at Erskine after the council leader’s “dismissive and sarcastic” response to their concerns.

Since February, when almost 200 refugees were placed in the Muthu Glasgow River Hotel, Erskine has seen concerted attempts by both Patriotic Alternative and its splinter, Homeland, to spread misinformation and fear in the local community.

The local Paisley and District Trades Union Council (PDTUC) has played a leading role in providing support to refugees, as well as successfully blocking Homeland’s attempt to hijack community councils.

Frustrated at comments reported in the Paisley Daily Express and made in an asylum and refugee support discussion at Renfrewshire Council, PDTUC secretary Robert Parker wrote to the council leader, the SNP’s Iain Nicolson, saying he was “disgusted at the tone which could fuel racist rhetoric” by equating housing shortages with asylum applications.

The letter continued: “As you know, we have been supporting the refugees, providing a welcoming atmosphere and most of all, friendship. We have arranged a Christmas party this Saturday.

“We aim to show the refugees that their future in Scotland can and should be a good one and that suffering abuse while returning from Sunday worship or a walk, or fireworks being fired at the hotel, is not what the majority of people think. 

“We would welcome a political presence in Erskine on Sundays, and for our elected representatives to support this in a manner that leaves no room for doubt: racists and fascists are not welcome in Scotland.”

Responding, the Erskine councillor blamed the “tone” on the reporting, but sparked fury by not responding to the call for political intervention and signing-off the email: “I'm sure a party celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ will be more than welcome by the residents in the hotel. Yours sincerely, Iain (Athiest)" [sic].

Mr Parker told the Star: “We’re disgusted by this response. 

“It’s dismissive, sarcastic, and his comments on the Christmas party are exactly the sort of ill-informed remarks fascists lap up.

“Tone matters, but so does action. Local politicians have been missing in action while communities they represent fight racism on their doorsteps.

“We need clear, visible, political leadership on this — and we should have had it months ago. Someone who leads a council should understand that.”

Councillor Nicolson told the Star: “I/we have actively supported the refugees and do a lot of cross-agency working and local engagement to deliver support and services.