I WAS horrified to hear about the comments made by Ukip leader Nigel Farage in an interview, widely reported last week, when he said that there should be no laws against discrimination on the grounds of race or colour. Only this week I have personally encountered a number of disturbing incidents of racial abuse in our communities.

These comments show once again that Ukip is a nasty party that is out of touch with modern Britain, and which would happily scrap laws that protect people.

Farage’s words are divisive, irresponsible and dangerous, and only serve to stoke up deeply unwelcome divisions in society. It is hugely concerning to hear a mainstream politician making such comments.

The truth is we have made huge progress on tackling racial inequality and discrimination in this country over recent years, partly because of Labour's strong anti-discrimination laws, and much has been achieved in terms of integration and race relations.

Of course things are still far from perfect, and discrimination and exclusion persist - but it’s only by working together in an inclusive way that we will continue to see progress.

Scrapping the very legislation that is in place to protect people and their rights and to enhance equality within society, is a ridiculous, not to mention an irresponsible suggestion – and one which deserves nothing but contempt.

Penarth and Cardiff have hugely positive traditions of diversity and tolerance – it would be a tragedy if this is undermined by such unhelpful talk.

Last week also brought allegations that the company MiHomecare had failed to pay the National Minimum Wage to a number of employees in Penarth.

I have spoken out about this because, if true, it is simply unacceptable, as it is for any company that might try and avoid paying the NMW. Care workers do a hugely important job in often very difficult circumstances, and they deserve to be treated with respect by their employers.

I’ve spoken directly to the CEO of MiHomecare’s parent company, and have asked for a written explanation. I’ve also written to HMRC to ask them to investigate.

If the allegations are proven to be true, then hardworking staff who have been underpaid must be compensated, and the company must face consequences.

After all, this is about a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work – yet so many dedicated carers are struggling to make ends meet on poverty pay and zero-hours contracts.

It's simply not good enough, and that’s why I’m proud Labour plans to raise the NMW, incentivise payment of the higher living wage and scrap exploitative zero-hours contracts.