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Theresa May has been accused of “pure nationalism” as members of the public began a backlash against parts of her closing speech at the Tory conference.

Mrs May sparked controversy when she said “if you believe you are a citizen of the world, you are a citizen of nowhere” during an attack on international corporations.

It came as the Prime Minister declared “change” was needed as she pledged to transform Britain in the wake of the Brexit vote.

But her comments were described as “pure undisguised nationalism” as critics queued up on social media to attack her over the "divisive" comments.

Sam Shenton tweeted: “If you're a citizen of the world you're a citizen of nowhere"... but I though nationalism was divisive and wrong? #CPC16

Patrick Hall wrote: "If you are a citizen of the world, you are a citizen of nowhere". T May #CPC16 - Pure undisguised nationalism.

While Julia Bird ‏posted: “UK just told by @theresa_may "If you're a citizen of the world, you're a citizen of nowhere". I don't know my own country anymore. #CPC16

And Daniel Harris tweeted: May: "If you believe you're a citizen of the world, you're a citizen of nowhere." Soundspreferable to being a citizen of the UK right now.”