Rise in ‘racist’ online comments by members of unions, says FBU leader

Steve Wright says internal inquiries uncovered dozens of cases where members had used racist slurs or stereotypes

Trade unions are becoming increasingly concerned by a rise in racist and bigoted" comments online from their own members and officials, the new leader of the Fire Brigades Union has told the Guardian.

Steve Wright, the general secretary of the FBU, said internal inquiries into allegations of racism have uncovered dozens of cases where members have been found to use racist slurs or stereotypes, often regarding asylum seekers.