A top Plaid Cymru MP has accused the government of "stirring up racial tension".

That accusation is one that Labour has been used to throwing at the Conservatives in criticising Michael Howard's policies on immigration and Gypsies.

But Welsh nationalist MP Simon Thomas has said that ministers too are guilty of exploiting the politics of fear.

Speaking ahead of a visit to a Cardiff mosque, Thomas said his party would not exploit the "fear factor".

"London based parties may whip up the fear factor in order to gain votes, but Plaid Cymru is putting forward a positive agenda based on building a better Wales for everybody living here, regardless of ethnicity," he said.

"New Labour's policy on terrorism is stirring up racial tension. Tony Blair took us into an illegal war and is now playing on people's fears in order to be re-elected."

Thomas also criticised Conservative policies, saying they would "persecute" refugees and travellers.

"Only Plaid Cymru can be trusted to stand up for all people living in Wales. We believe in unity through diversity," he added.