I agree with Trent that not all leavers are racist but all racists are leavers. I also believe that it isn't always easy for people to see and hear subtle racist talk or attitude if they are not affected; it is exactly the same with Jewish people who talk about the rise of antisemitism. They pick up on it, non Jewish people frequently don't. I've even come across it with Catholics, particularly on forums, who know people are being anti-Catholic but other non-Catholics can't see it (despite it sometimes being blooming obvious!).
Yes there has always been racism, bigotry of all kinds, but I accept that it has changed recently, as the referendum date grew nearer it was palpable.
I didn't realise that Hope knew the people involved in the supermarket incident and it sounds as though the assistant was saying what is usually said to customers and the onlookers giggled inappropriately. (Yes, Hope, I know Cardiff and Bute town, I lived there for six months in the 1970s and liked it, cosmopolitan and easy going.)
Trent, Rose isn't accusing you or your partner of lying, she just doesn't see things in quite the same way. We can't stand in someone else's shoes.