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A Cumbrian councillor who joined Ukip has claimed Romanians are “a problem” and responsible for theft in Aspatria.Allerdale’s David Wilson waded into the Ukip race row, defending Nigel Farage’s comments about Romanians.
He went as far as claiming that people from the Eastern European country had caused problems in his constituency of Aspatria, accusing them of theft.
Mr Wilson is one of three independent Allerdale councillors to announce that they have this week joined the UK Independence Party. Wigton’s George Scott and Binky Armstrong are the others.
His comments come on the back of Ukip leader Nigel Farage’s controversial suggestion that he would be concerned if a group of Romanians moved in next door – comments branded by some as racist.
But defending him, Mr Wilson told the News & Star: “He’s making a statement based on facts. He’s mentioned the Romanians. We know we’ve a problem in this country with Romanians. We had them here in Aspatria, knocking on doors and stealing things. That’s a fact. They were definitely Romanians.”
Former policeman Mr Wilson added: “I do not believe Ukip is racist. I’m not and never have been.”
George Scott also defended Mr Farage, saying he was speaking freely and the comments had been taken out context. “I don’t think he’s racist. He’s saying what a lot of people up and down the country would love to say but don’t. They bite their lip,” he said.
The News & Star asked Cumbria police if there had been a specific problem with Romanians committing crimes in north Cumbria, but the force declined to comment on a matter of political interest.
New Ukip councillor blames Romanians for thefts in town
