Alex Salmond has attacked Theresa May as a “backward looking little Englander”.

Speaking at the SNP annual conference in Glasgow the former First Minister was taking part in a debate on post study work visas.

Mr Salmond was highlighting the case of the Brain family from Australia who have recently won their fight for a visa to live and work in Scotland.

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The former SNP leader received a standing ovation even before he spoke on a topical motion on immigration.

He laid out what he saw as the key differences between the UK Conservative Government and the SNP Scottish Government on immigration.

Mr Salmond said the UK government saw people from other countries as a “problem to be kicked out, we see them as an asset to Scotland.”

READ MORE: Swinney guarantees funding for EU students

He said the UK saw “EU nationals as bargaining chips to be staked” in Brexit negotiations, adding “we say they are workers in our hospitals.

“They want lists of foreigners so they can name and shame companies. The shame is with the UK government.

“We want a country living and growing with no fear and celebrating our diversity.”

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He said Scots should thank the Tories after their UK conference in Birmingham “for lifting the lid on the true intent of their programme.

“Boiled down to its essence a closed backwards looking society.

“Theresa May’s little England has there even been a more backward looking nation.”

The Brain family were invited on to the stage at the conference and Greg Brain thanked all those involved in their campaign o be allowed to stay in Scotland.”