An MP has warned a culture of suspicion could divide Birmingham after two Asian men were kicked off a plane because other passengers feared they were terrorists.

Khalid Mahmood (Lab Perry Barr) said: "There is a feeling among all Asians, not just Muslims, that they are regarded with suspicion.

"But if we start to suspect people because of the colour of their skin we are doing exactly what the terrorists want."

The incident on the plane came after police foiled an alleged terror plot to blow-up transatlantic flights.

This weekend it emerged holidaymakers on board a flight from Malaga to Manchester had convinced air staff two remove two men of Asian appearance.

Some passengers reportedly stormed off the Airbus 320 aircraft and refused to fly unless the pair were taken off the plane.

Mr Mahmood said: "Some communities in Birmingham feel they are under suspicion from the public generally.

"They are seen in a different light, not actually because of their religion but just the colour of their skin.

"This is what seemed to have happened on the aeroplane. It is exactly what the terrorists want. We can't fall into that trap.

"People on the plane had concerns. They should have been dealt with in a sensitive manner but the two passengers didn't need to be removed."

Mr Mahmood said he backed greater security at airports in order to ensure passenger safety and reassure the public.

"The most important thing is that nobody is allowed to get on a plane with a weapon or any dangerous object.

"I also want the Government to press ahead with issuing identity cards."

But he opposed the prospect of "passenger profiling", which could involve security staff targeting passengers of Asian or Arab appearance.

"It would be a hugely difficult issue to manage. If we get identity cards up and running we will be able to get a much better idea who passengers are."

The two men, thought to be aged in their 20s and of Middle Eastern appearance, were escorted off the plane by airport police.

They flew back into Manchester later in the week and were not arrested by British police.