Abbott Loses Whip Over Jews Do Not 'Suffer Racism' Slurs

The Labour whip has been suspended from Diane Abbott pending an investigation into a letter the MP wrote suggesting Jewish people are not subjected to the same racism as some other minorities.

- ADAM FORREST

Ms Abbott, the former shadow home secretary under Jeremy Corbyn, apologised over the comments and said the letter published in The Observer had been an “initial draft” sent by mistake.

It stated that Jewish, Irish and Traveller communities have experienced “prejudice”, but added: “This is similar to racism and the two words are often used as if they are interchangeable.”

Ms Abbott had added: “It is true that many types of white people with points of difference, such as redheads, can experience this prejudice. But they are not all their lives subject to racism.”

Despite Ms Abbott’s apology, amid widespread outrage yesterday morning, Labour’s chief whip Alan Campbell decided to withdraw the whip while inquiries take place.

A Labour spokesperson said: “The Labour Party completely condemns these comments, which are deeply offensive and wrong. The chief whip has suspended the Labour whip from Diane Abbott pending an investigation.”

Among those expressing their outrage, Tory cabinet minister Grant Shapps said: “Once again, Jewish people have to wake up and see a Labour MP casually spouting hateful antisemitism. Keir Starmer are you actually going to do anything?”

Ms Abbott’s short letter, which is still online, provoked a furious reaction on social media yesterday morning before the Labour MP issued an apology – dissociating herself from her own letter and saying she withdrew her remarks.

“I wish to wholly and unreservedly withdraw my remarks and disassociate myself from them,” said the Labour MP. “The errors arose in an initial draft being sent. But there is no excuse, and I wish to apologise for any anguish caused.