Scottish nationalism is leading to racist abuse, a Glasgow MSP has claimed.

Sandesh Gulhane, Glasgow Conservative MSP, said he encounters racism when he is critical of the SNP and the party leadership.

The MSP, who moved to Glasgow eight years ago to work as a GP, said it is linked to attitudes within the SNP and the nationalist movement, which he says is accepting of “anti-English” beliefs and “vile” political anti-Tory statements.

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Speaking at the launch of the Conservatives Glasgow manifesto for the council elections, Gulhane, who was elected as Glasgow region MSP last year, said it is the biggest change he has noticed in the city in his time here.

Speaking about the council elections he said: “I want a city that is clean and tidy. A city I’m proud to get visitors to come to see. The SNP have created a city of former glories.

“Glasgow was beautiful when I first arrived here eight years ago from London.”

When asked what the biggest change he has seen in the city in that time, he said: “Separatism.

“The racism I’m getting. Racism, and how unfriendly nationalism seems to be.

“I am told to go home.”

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Asked if that is nationalism or racism and reminded that senior political figures in the SNP and Scottish Labour are also targeted with racist abuse, Gulhane linked it to the SNP.

He said: “When I dare to criticise the hierarchy of the SNP I get racism. I get told I came here on a banana boat.”

He said there is an acceptance within the SNP of people making offensive comments.

Gulhane added that SNP councillors have made “vile statements about ‘Tory Scum’ and are allowed to make these comments.

“This is why it’s coming. The SNP think it is acceptable to be anti-English.”

The MSP also said that Boris Johnson being fined over lockdown parties should not be an issue at the council elections.

Gulhane said: “People need to move on. This isn’t about Boris or Rishi. It’s about local issues, bins, potholes cuts to Glasgow City Council.”

Asked if Boris Johnson should resign, he added:“Now is not the right time to be talking about this, with Ukraine.

“We have had Boris go to Ukraine, I haven’t seen any other leader there.

“We are sending weapons, they are naming streets after Boris. We need stability.”

The Glasgow Times put the MSP’s comments to the SNP.

A spokesperson for the SNP said: “The SNP has a proud record standing firmly against all forms of racism and discrimination and we take a zero-tolerance approach to both.”