Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf has signalled a re-think on controversial new hate crime legislation.

The SNP minister said he wants the plans to become a "force for good" and pledged to "reflect on whether there needs to be changes made and how these could be done in an appropriate and effective way".

His comments at Holyrood follow a major backlash to the proposals from lawyers, police, the Catholic Church who are all concerned about the impact of the Scottish Government's Hate Crime and Public Order Bill.

A feared limit of freedom of expression also provoked protest from well known figures including Mr Bean star Rowan Atkinson, crime writer Val McDermid, actress Elaine C Smith and playwright Alan Bissett.

Last month the Scottish Police Federation said the new hate crime law could leave officers having to determine what  passes as free speech.

Labour MSP Anas Sarwar

Today, Labour MSP Anas Sarwar, who has campaigned with Yousaf against hate crimes, added further pressure on the government to make changes.

"This risks fracturing the coalition we need to build across Scotland to defeat hate," Sarwar warned.

Yousaf said he is "aware of the strong views that have been expressed on the Bill", and said he is "listening to the feedback that is received".

He told MSPs: "I note in particular concerns about the Bill's stirring-up-hatred offences. I will reflect on whether there needs to be changes made and how these could be done in an appropriate and effective way."

The Bill is still to be scrutinised by the Scottish Parliament's Justice Committee.

The Scottish Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, claimed the Bill "appears to paralyse freedom of speech in Scotland".

Sarwar, raising the concerns in parliament, said there are some "good things in the Bill".

He said: "The Justice Secretary and I recognise the importance of challenging hate crime and defeating prejudice and hatred. Sadly, for us and many others it is often a daily experience.

"I know we both share the same ambition and would want the same outcome – to make Scotland a more equal and fairer country, where everyone has the same opportunity no matter their race or religion.

"There are lots of important things in this Bill, including consolidating aggravation, adding vulnerability and sex, and removing outdated blasphemy laws. But the way that aspects of the Bill are currently drafted and the narrative that has built around it risks undermining the very purpose of the Bill itself. This risks fracturing the coalition we need to build across Scotland to defeat hate."