Sadiq Khan: 'no difference' between Scottish nationalism and right-wing populism

Sadiq Khan - PA

London mayor Sadiq Khan has provoked anger by comparing the campaign for Scottish independence with right-wing nationalist movements around the world.

The Labour heavyweight tweeted a speech he will give to Scottish Labour conference in Perth later today, which calls for unity against nationalism.

"The world is becoming an increasingly turbulent and divided place," he will say.

"We've seen Brexit, President Trump elected in the United States and the rise of right wing populism and narrow nationalist parties around the world."

He will add: "There's no difference between those who try to divide us on the basis of whether we're English or Scottish and those who try to divide us on the basis of our background, race or religion."

The tweet provoked a furious reaction from yes voters, including some English supporters of Scottish nationalism.

SNP MSP Christina McKelvie tweeted back a picture of a Labour mug from 2015 with the words 'controls on immigration' on it.

SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said: "I'm a big admirer of Sadiq Khan but today's intervention is spectacularly ill-judged. It is an insult to all those Scots who support independence for reasons of inclusion & social justice - the antithesis of what he says. And it is a sign of the sheer desperation and moral bankruptcy that has driven so many from Scottish Labour's ranks. Very disappointing."

Labour councillor for Port Glasgow Stephen McCabe said: "Having experienced the dark side of nationalism many times I can see where he is coming from. I also know and respect people who see independence as a short cut to a fairer society."