STORY
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has criticised Diane Abbott after the veteran Labour MP said she had “no regrets” about controversial remarks about racism that had previously led to her suspension from the party. Speaking today, Rayner said she was “deeply disappointed” by Abbott’s decision to stand by the comments, where she had compared the racism experienced by black people with the prejudice faced by Jewish, Irish and Traveller communities.
Abbott had apologised for her words in 2023 after suggesting that the latter groups had not suffered racism in the same way as those who are visibly black, but she has now said she still believes what she originally wrote. Rayner warned that such a position “creates a real challenge” for the Labour Party, which has sought to present a united and uncompromising stance on antisemitism under Keir Starmer’s leadership.
Although Rayner herself does not have the power to suspend MPs, she confirmed that the matter would be formally reviewed in line with Labour’s disciplinary processes. Abbott, who remains one of the most high-profile MPs on the Labour benches, has defended her position by saying she has always opposed all forms of racism and accused the leadership of attempting to sideline her. The latest developments risk reopening divisions within Labour at a sensitive time, as the party works to maintain discipline and a broad coalition of support ahead of the next election. A decision on whether further action will be taken against Abbott is expected in the coming days, with both supporters and critics of the MP bracing for the potential fallout.