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Chuka Umunna says he has been subject to “vociferous, racist” abuse from UKIP supporters and accuses Nigel Farage’s party of stoking racial tensions.

The Shadow Business Secretary was attacked as a “spear chucker” and a “caveman” when he pointed out some voters, including UKIP supporters, could not use the internet.

But his point about why people are disengaged with politics saw him bombarded with vile abuse.

“As a black politician or mixed race politician, whatever you want to call me, it goes with the job. But you don’t let it get to you,” he told the Mirror.

He added: “That’s why I don’t think anyone should give any quarter to UKIP.

"I feel that party stokes up fear, division and loathing in our community and seeks to set up different communities against each other.

“The vociferous, racist reaction simply confirms me in the view I have of where that party’s politics will take you.”

What worries him is that while he is able to ride above such racism, others are still being held back because of their colour.

“I think sooner or later your background, your personal circumstances and your family’s wealth intervene to determine your chances in life.

"We are still at the place where the prospect of going on and doing well is far too closely connected to your background as opposed to your effort,” he said.

That is what he came into politics to change. He wants a society where black and minority ethnic people from his Streatham constituency in South London can also make it to the top.

“There are very few black politicians and the big difference between me and the politicians whose shoulders I stand on is that I come from a middle-class background,” he said

“That meant I was more likely to make it than other people from my ethnic background and that’s why I am so passionate about it.”

He clearly thinks Labour should be pressing the aspiration message harder.

In what could be seen as a criticism of leader Ed Miliband’s dry emphasis on the cost of living crisis, he pointed out that in the May local elections he campaigned in London with the slogan “fair to everyone, ambitious for all”.

“What this is about is if you live in a council flat and you want to move into a house or you want to progress in your job from a junior to a senior position we are the ones who want to help you do that,” he said.

Mr Umanna went out of his way to praise Mr Miliband, saying: “He’s a fundamentally decent, honest person”.

But it is hard to avoid concluding that his leader’s attacks on predatory capitalism the energy companies have made life difficult for the Shadow Business Secretary.

He stressed that business should have “nothing to fear” from a Labour government and pointed to his role in setting up Small Business Saturday to make his point.

“If we were an anti-business party why would be instigating a campaign that has been the biggest celebration of British business in a generation?” he asked.

“I think on the whole our markets are competitive and give the consumer a good deal and that’s why I have been very clear with other sectors beyond banking, land and energy they have nothing to fear from a Labour government.”