SADIQ Khan’s foray into Scottish politics was spectacular for its ineptness and remarkable for its ignorance. Not only did it show no understanding of Scottish nationalism but little concept of left- wing nationalism as a force for social change. It highlighted why Labour has lost in Scotland and in huge swathes of England.

The London Mayor’s crass comparison of Scottish nationalism with racism was both tactically and strategically disastrous for his party. What should have been an occasion for his Scottish leader to showcase her policies was spent explaining away his comments. Moreover, if the intention was to win back voters who had deserted his colleagues north of the Border, insulting them isn’t the way to achieve it.

It neither resonated with the electorate nor bore any resemblance to civic nationalism. Smearing a democratic movement that rejects racism did him no credit. As the son of a Pakistani bus driver ,as he likes to recount, he’d have been better concentrating his fire on British imperialism. From Clive onwards British policy in the Indian subcontinent has had a lot to answer for, and was built on a belief in racial superiority. Scots were part of that and need to atone for their sins and complicity. However, a cursory comparison of the referendum on independence with that of Brexit would have shown where the real issues lie.

Moreover, not only did it traduce the SNP , it also misrepresented the cause of home rule espoused down through the years by the left in Scotland. Not just John Mclean and the Red Clydesiders as 1920s Home Rule bills testify, but more recently Jimmy Reid and others, saw no conflict between socialism and self-determination. Modern Scottish nationalism is arguably the heir to that, in the context of globalisation and the EU, rather than the British Empire. He displays an ignorance of left-wing nationalism as a whole, not just in Scotland. Marine Le Pen and the Front National are odious. But, she’s a populist now championing views on Brexit and immigration that Mr Khan would do well to temper in his own party, rather than ascribe falsely to another.

But has he forgotten the FLN in Vietnam and Algeria? Were they not driven by a desire to run their own lands, throwing off their French colonial masters as his forebears rejected the British? They strove not just for a socialist society but the independence of their lands, and were unable to do so peacefully. Does he consider them racist? It’s post-colonial France that has the race problem, not the former colonies. To equate nationalism with racism in a broad generalisation is absurd. For sure, there are instances and individuals. But, that applies in every political philosophy and party.

A friend of mine was in Stoke recently and recounted how housing schemes were bedecked in the Cross of St George. They weren’t all racists. Many were simply marginalised people seeking a sense of identity, something to hold onto in a fast-changing world. The tragedy in England is that it’s been hijacked by the far right.

As with the Scots, the English have baggage to atone for. However, there are many more things to celebrate, that have made the world a better place. Taking pride in that isn’t racist, but necessary for an understanding of a place in the world. Appreciating who you are and acknowledging both good and bad’s necessary.

The remarkable Norman Drummond espouses the power of three – self-esteem, hope and aspiration. In forgotten parts of England that’s badly needed. Being comfortable with who you are is necessary. That comes from knowledge and pride, not ignorance and a belief in superiority.

Mr Khan and his ilk should read EP Thompson’s Making of the English Working Class, and provide self-esteem not sneer.