The Leader of Cornwall Cornwall has been asked to apologise for describing people planning a protest against asylum seekers being accommodated in Newquay as “abhorrent, racist and bigots”. Linda Taylor made the comments as the council appealed to people to be more welcoming to migrants who are currently staying in Cornwall.

A planned protest in the town has been universally condemned by politicians in Cornwall who have urged people to make asylum seekers who have been placed in the Duchy with kindness and respect. It follows a number of similar protests around the country in recent weeks which have, in some cases, descended into violence and vandalism.

Ahead of the protest Cllr Taylor issued a statement which stated: “Cornwall must do its part in helping deal with the processing of people who have come to our country seeking asylum, which is why the Home Office is using a hotel in Newquay to house these people while they are awaiting processing as part of this process.

“That certain far right elements of our society are using this as an excuse to protest, and particularly those that hope to gain political capital from it, is abhorrent, and needs to be called out for the shallow and crass opportunism that it is.

“The Conservative Group on Cornwall Council stands with the community of Newquay and our Cornwall, and all sensible political parties locally and nationally in condemning these protests and calling them out for what they are, a racist and bigoted attack on a minority group of people.”

However, a member of the public will pose a question at tomorrow’s meeting of Cornwall Council calling for Cllr Taylor to apologise. Mr Hewlett from Newquay will ask: “The Leader has been recorded in the media, describing concerned residents of Newquay, who wish to highlight women and girls safety issues regarding the Beresford Migrants, as abhorrent, racist and bigots. Would the Leader care to apologise to the people of Newquay?”

Responding to Mr Hewlett’s request for an apology, Cllr Taylor said today: “My opinion is that the migrants are now housed in the hotel, they are there as the Government has placed them there until their legality has been determined and I asked that everybody treats them with respect.”

Asked if she would apologise for her comments she said: “No, I wasn’t talking to the people of Newquay I was speaking to a very small section of people who I don’t believe are being kind. There have been claims made but I don’t know of any police evidence to substantiate their claims, perhaps if they have evidence they would like to make it public.

“My statement was quite clear there are elements who are not welcoming and I don’t particularly like that and I don’t think it is particularly helpful.”