Politicians raise human rights concerns after South Ayrshire Council signs 'friendly' deal with Chinese city
South Ayrshire Council has formed a ‘friendly’ relationship with a Chinese city despite councillor concerns about human rights in the country.Politicians clashed over whether the agreement should happen – but it was narrowly approved after a tie vote at a recent council meeting.Twelve councillors voted against the arrangement with Liaocheng City in the Shandong Province while the same number supported it.Provost Helen Moonie (Labour) who has been on a partially-funded council trip to the region had the deciding vote – ensuring it was carried.Conservatives were against it and three SNP councillors including Laura Brennan-Whitefield, Craig Mackay and William Grant abstained.And Tory Group leader, Councillor Martin Dowey, said: “This is