JUSTICE Secretary Humza Yousaf branded Alister Jack “xenophobic” yesterday, accusing him of using “pathetic and frankly incendiary language”.

The furious attack from the SNP MSP came after the Tory Secretary of State seemed to suggest EU migrants were coming to Scotland as “cheap labour” and “on the basis that they get access to our NHS and our benefits system”.

The minister was speaking about the Government’s plans for a new points-based immigration system.

There have been concerns from business – and even colleagues in his own party – about the changes that will effectively end free movement of people and make it harder for overseas workers to come to Scotland.

If passed, the Immigration Bill – which was introduced in the Commons yesterday – would mean those from abroad would need to be offered a job that pays at least £26,500 before they would be granted a visa.

While it’s likely to be less for those jobs on the Government’s shortage occupation list, it’s still substantially more than is paid to most workers in care, hospitality and food industries – all sectors currently reliant on EU staff.

READ MORE: Alister Jack prompts anger among MSPs with migrant comment

Jack acknowledged “genuine difficulties” the plans will cause some industries, however he insisted the salary thresholds are “reasonable”.

He told MSPs: “There’s been a tendency in the past for us to bring in cheap migrant labour and they’ve come on the basis that they get access to our NHS and our benefits system.”

Jack suggested the new plans would mean employers should paying migrant workers more money.

“And we should be proud of doing that, we should be looking to raise wages and not try and still operate a low-wage economy,” he said.

A clip of the comment was shared widely on social media. Yousaf responded: “Ah the classic Schrodinger’s Migrant from the Scottish Secretary suggesting migrants are coming here to steal your jobs while simultaneously stealing your benefits!

“Pathetic and frankly incendiary language from a Politician who should know better than to use xenophobic tropes”.

READ MORE: 'A direct attack': Twitter reacts to Alister Jack's migrant comment

Responding to Yousaf’s comments a UK Government spokesperson said: “The Secretary of State was clear that people who do tough jobs like fish processing should be paid a decent wage. If people disagree with that they need to explain why.”

During the committee hearing Jack was pushed on the statement by the SNP MSP Annabelle Ewing.

She went on: “But on the issue of the statement you made about Europeans coming here to get access to our health service, I think really that level of debate about the participation of EU nationals in Scottish economic life and Scottish life is really pretty poor.”

Jack replied: “I didn’t say that. You’re putting words in my mouth.”

Ewing told him: “I think the record will show that you made that comment.”

Jack also told the committee that optimism will make a success of Brexit.

He said he does “not put any store in forecasting” from economic experts”.

Jack said it will be hard work and “gumption” which will ensure the UK economy grows after the relationship with the European Union changes. He added he is certain the UK economy will grow, despite projections saying the preferred Canada-style trade deal could reduce GDP by as much as 6.2% in 15 years.

Jack told MSPs: “We will leave, and as the fifth strongest economy in the world, I’m absolutely confident we will prosper and we must look at it with optimism. The one thing that forecasters are quite consistent at is getting things wrong. I’ll stand by this – I think we’ll grow our economy very successfully outside the EU and we will do very good trade deals around the world.”