SLOUGH MP Tan Dhesi has revealed that he has been trolled with abuse on social media since becoming elected - including being branded a 'fake Sikh' for raising a transport issue at Prime Minister's Questions.

Mr Dhesi took to Twitter on Thursday evening and posted a private social media message from a Sikh man, appearing to be from Canada, who called him a f###### piece of ###.

The man also said: "You need a slap upside your head you fake Sikh." The man inferred this was because Mr Dhesi had talked about rail infrastructure at PMQs this week - rather than the plight of a British Sikh man who has been detained in the Punjab.

Mr Dhesi has already raised the issue of Jagtar Singh Johal, 30, with Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and the Indian High Commissioner in letters sent on Sunday.

Mr Dhesi wrote: "Despite these considerable efforts...we have been facing verbal/online abuse from those that think a "Sikh MP" is not doing enough, and his Prime Minister's Question should also be restricted to that subject (of Mr Johal).

"Coincidentally my very first PMQ was predetermined to be on a major local infrastructure project (GWR electrification) that had been consistently highlighted to me by so many of my constituents, as it affects thousands...

"With respect to recent abuse, let me reiterate once again my message from the last ten years of public service that I am not merely a Sikh MP/representative speaking solely on Sikh issues.

"Such negativity will not deter me from the Sikh ethos of sarbat da bhalla (working for the betterment of all, regardless of background, colour or creed)."

Mr Dhesi added: "It's hard enough serving as an MP without having to face constant abuse from various quarters (whether that's the far right/extremists/others who feel that I'm only interested in "my community's issues", or those from within my "own" community who feel I don't do enough).

"When people resort to abuse, they are actually doing a disservice to their own cause. I will do what I genuinely feel is right, rather than be forced by anybody to follow their priorities or way of thinking."

Mr Dhesi was supported by wellwishers online, including from Conservative MP for Chatham and Aylesford, Tracey Crouch, who said: "Tan, I've watched you from opposite benches speak in a variety of debates and you an impressive MP. Stay strong. These people will be in the minority."

Labour MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, Angela Rayner, added: "Getting abuse can be very upsetting, you are a superb caring, constituency MP and have worked so hard for all your constituents in Slough since being elected. Ignore the haters and carry on the great work."

Mr Dhesi hit back at the haters and said: "When my staff or I face abuse, we have a zero tolerance approach."