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Caerphilly Labour MP Wayne David has apologised for using an offensive term during a live radio broadcast – saying the only people with “coloured skin” in the town he represents run takeaways.

Speaking live on air on BBC Radio Wales during a broadcast from the town on Thursday in the wake of the vote to leave the EU , Mr David, a remain supporter, said Labour had failed to address people’s concerns about immigration.

He was asked by presenter Jamie Owen: “In terms of hard figures, how much of an issue is immigration in Caerphilly ?”

Mr David replied: “Well, in terms of numbers it’s not an issue. I mean, I think the only people who have coloured skin, if you like, are people who run takeaways.

MP's apology

“There are workers who are migrant workers from the rest of the European Union but the numbers are relatively small.

“But, nevertheless, people are concerned about it and we should not have missed their concerns.”

On Friday, Mr David apologised for any offence caused.

“It was an inadvertent comment and what I should have said is ‘ethnic minorities’,” he said.

AMs and MPs 'must be educated'

“Of course there are people in ethnic minorities who make a huge contribution and I certainly appreciate that.

“Ethnic minorities make a huge contribution to our society and work in a number of different areas. I fully appreciate that.”

This was the response of one prominent union representative

Caerphilly-born Muslim businesswoman and diversity campaigner Shazia Awan said the MP’s original comments were “extremely offensive”.

“There is no doubt that Wayne David has done a lot of great work in Caerphilly, however language like this is unacceptable.

“I can only conclude that the Labour party in Wales really need to look into educating their Assembly members and MPs on issues of equality and diversity and how this kind of language is extremely offensive.

“As somebody who is passionate about equality and diversity this language causes me huge concern, and moreover the fact that it has not been dealt with.”