TORY grandee Lord Forsyth has apologised to X-man actor Alan Cumming after the pair clashed on BBC TV's Question Time programme.

Mr Cumming accused Lord Forsyth of xenophobia after he was questioned about his support for Scottish independence despite taking US citizenship.

When challenged by Lord Forsyth, Mr Cumming said he was a British citizen as well. He said: "What is the big deal – I'm a joint citizen". He asked the audience: "What about xenophobia ladies and gentlemen?"

Lord Forsyth told the actor that people like him and tax-exile Sean Connery would "do anything to get Scotland independent except live here and put up with the consequences".

Mr Cumming tweeted yesterday: "Michael Forsyth just apologised to me for his xenophobic comment during the recording! Nice to know he realised how cheap it was I suppose."

Lord Forsyth said he wanted to make a point of apologising after the show because he realised Mr Cumming was visibly upset.

He added: "What Mr Cumming and others have to realise is that when the Yes campaign was launched a lot of the leading lights, such as Sean Connery, who signed the declaration do not live or pay taxes in Scotland and will not have to live with the consequences of separation if it happens.

"That is the point I was making and that was the context. To suggest that my comments were xenophobic is simply ridiculous."