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A French politician is under fire for saying the country is home to a white race that expects immigrants to adapt or leave.

Nadine Morano, 51, a member of Nicolas Sarkozy ’s opposition Republican party, said on TV: “We’re a Judeo-Christian country of white race.

"We respect France.

"And if you don’t want to adapt, you can go."

She added: "I don't feel like seeing France becoming Muslim."

(Image: REUTERS)

Morano made the comments on the France 2 channel, sparking angry responses.

Last week, Mr Sarkozy called on MPs to back plans to reduce immigrants' access to welfare and citizenship.

Mr Sarkozy, who wants to become president again in 2017, is determined to prevent far-right leader Marine Le Pen cashing in on immigration fears at his expense.

Sarkozy warned that France risked ‘implosion’ if more migrants were allowed in.