OUTSPOKEN MP George Galloway delivered his ‘Naw’ message to a packed Greenock Town Hall on Friday.

Dressed all in black and wearing his now trademark fedora, the controversial politician called on Greenock voters to reject independence on 18 September — the day of the historic Scottish referendum — saying: ‘You’re no less Scottish if you say no’.

Referring to the injuries he received from a recent alleged assault, he said: “Exactly a week ago I was lying in a London street with a broken jaw and fractured ribs — so I’m not here because I hate Scotland, but because I love Scotland.” He was joined at the lively event, titled ‘Just Say Naw’, by former Labour MP Brian Wilson, with both men taking turns to outline their views on independence and answer audience questions. Mr Wilson said that he was ‘incredibly positive’ about the NHS, the welfare state, comprehensive education and the slum clearances from his youth.

He said: “Nationalism never delivered an iota of these.

“Every one of these was delivered by Labour governments and they were delivered for every corner of the United Kingdom.” Explaining why he embarked on the tour, Mr Galloway said: “Alex Salmond stands out because of the flatness of the surrounding (political) landscape, that’s why heavyweights like Brian and me have come onto the path.

“I always say with Salmond that it’s like watching Jim Baxter strolling through the opposition playing keepy-up.

“What Jim Baxter needed was a Bertie Auld, and what Labour needs is a Bertie Auld, and that’s what we’re trying to do.” There was a smattering of heckling from small sections of the crowd, but the majority clearly backed Galloway, applauding his responses to those who interrupted him.

A Q&A section saw people raise issues including the ‘bedroom tax’, currency, energy, pensions and defence.

After the event, audience member Katie McGuire, 18, of Port Glasgow said: “It was really good.

“The only fault I’d say was when someone who was either from undecided or Yes shot him down a little bit, speaking over him and not letting him answer his questions.

“But the points he made were great and he really knew what he was talking about.” Bill Gallacher, of Greenock, said: “I thought it was excellent and the standard of questions were really good.

“Both handled the heckling very well. I thought Galloway was outstanding and it would be good to see him debate with Alex Salmond — it’s a pity that hasn’t happened.” The Just Say Naw tour continues tonight at Paisley Town Hall at 7.30pm.