THE First Minister has condemned threats by the Italian government to expel thousands of Roma people from the country.

Nicola Sturgeon is MSP for Glasgow's Southside Central ward, home to Scotland's largest Roma population.

This week Italian interior minister Matteo Salvini called for a new census of Roma people and for all non-Italian Roma to be removed.

The statement has been condemned as fascist with Ms Sturgeon calling the threat "deeply worrying."

She said: “The statement made by the Italian interior minister is deeply worrying.

"Historically the Roma people are one of the most discriminated against and persecuted ethnic minorities in Europe and whether his plans come to fruition or not, this kind of rhetoric is dangerous and divisive.

"As MSP for the area where many of Scotland’s Roma people have made their home, I know the positive contribution that they can add to the vibrant cultural mix of the community.”

Glasgow's Roma population began to settle in Govanhill in 2004 following the expansion of the EU.

Local councillor Soryia Siddique: "Southside Central is the most diverse ward in Scotland with the largest Roma population.

"Everyone has a job to call out fascism where ever it may be found. I am appalled at Matteo Salvini's anti Roma stance and statement.

"Scapegoating a whole community of people is unacceptable.

"I will also be raising this at Glasgow City Council."

Roma communities have faced persecution in Europe for at least the last few hundred years, including enslavement, massacres, forced sterilisation, and genocide.

Roma charity Romano Lav also condemned the situation in Italy.

A spokesman said: “As an NGO working with Roma communities in Glasgow, Romano Lav condemns recent statements attributed to the Italian interior minister Matteo Salvini.

"Salvini’s promise to turn “words into actions” regarding the Roma camps, by creating a registry for Roma migrants as well as seeking their deportation, is both unconstitutional and illegal.

"It reminds us of Italy’s fascist policies of the past.

"Romano Lav remains hopeful that the European Union will remind Italy of its role and duties as a member state.

"Salvini and his coalition partners would be wise to shelve these damaging plans and instead work towards the greater social inclusion and integration of its Roma citizens.”

Monica Lennon, Labour's shadow minister for Communities, Social Security and Equalities, said: "We are proud of Scotland’s Roma community and extend our solidarity to persecuted Roma people wherever they are in the world.

"Hate must not win."