STWEART PATERSON

UKIP MEP David Coburn has been branded an "ignorant racist" in the Scottish Parliament by a Glasgow MSP.

Patricia Ferguson, Labour MSP for Maryhill and Springburn, joined others form all parties condemning Mr Coburn's remarks about Scottish Government minister Humza Yousaf.

Mr Coburn had said or as I call him Abu Hamza" when referring to the Glasgow SNP MSP in an interview with a journalist.

The MEP comparing the Muslim MSP to a convicted terrorist sparked outrage and led to calls for him to resign or be sacked by Ukip.

Ms Ferguson said during a debate about cultural diversity: "New Scots enrich our country. Increasing diversification is welcome.

"That is in contrast to the view of David Coburn, or as I like to call him that ignorant racist. His view should have no place in modern Scotland."

Ms Ferguson said her constituency was "enormously diverse" and was better for it she said.

She added: "I am proud my home city of Glasgow is the only city to where asylum seekers are dispersed."

She added: "We all have to challenge the views of those who seek to divide communities."

Scottish Government Equalities Secretary Alex Neil also condemned Mr Coburn.

He said:"There is no place for prejudice or discrimination in Scotland"

He said Scotland needed immigration due to an ageing population and a skill gap.

Mr Neil said: "We always welcome people who want to come and live in Scotland."

On Mr Coburn's remarks about his ministerial colleague Mr Neil said David Coburn's shameful comparison of Humza Yousaf to Abu Hamza is nothing short of disgraceful. It is a totally unacceptable smear which cannot be explained by Ukip as banter. It is racist and islamophobic.

"David Coburn does not represent the views of the Scottish people."

Conservative MSP, Liz Smith, also criticised the politician, the only elected Ukip Member in Scotland.

She said the comments were "repugnant" which she said "have absolutely no place in any democratic society."

Mr Coburn has since said he apologised for the remark but said it was a joke.

He told the BBC: ""I've apologised profusely for it. It was a stupid thing to say. It was an inappropriate joke."

However the journalist he spoke to said it was not said as a joke and said no-one was laughing.

Mr Coburn was elected as Ukip MEP for Scotland last year as one of six representing the country in the European Parliament.