Labour suspends councillor over racism claims

Audrey Dempsey represents the Springburn and Robroyston ward in Glasgow

A Labour councillor accused of racist remarks has been suspended by the party.

Audrey Dempsey, who represents the Glasgow ward of Springburn and Robroyston, had claimed that "racist attacks on white children and teachers" had been rising in schools across the city.

Ms Dempsey did not provide statistical evidence for this claim, which was contained in an agenda for a recent meeting of the Labour group.

She told BBC Scotland News that she had asked "an honest question" and been subject to "character assassination" as a result.

The question she proposed asking was “to ask the relevant convenor if they [are] aware of the rising racist attacks on white children and teachers in our schools and how do they plan to tackle this?”

The question was not asked at the meeting.

She later told BBC Scotland News that she had been contacted by staff and parents from several schools in the south side of Glasgow about the issue.

A spokeswoman for Glasgow City Council said: "We are not aware of any rise in incidents of this kind across the city."

Complaints 'fully investigated'

Ms Dempsey had earlier posted a video of her charity Glasgow’s No.1 Baby and Family Support Service helping asylum seekers, which she stated "contradicts the attempted narrative."

She said: "We should never be afraid to speak up when people are suffering. Children should expect equal treatment.

"It was an honest question that I asked that has become a character assassination.

"If it had been a family of another race that raised concerns I would have handled them the exact same way."

She added that she was disappointed in "radio silence" from the Labour party.

A Labour Party spokesperson said: "The Labour Party takes all complaints seriously.

"They are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate action is taken."