Diane Abbott suspended as Labour MP following her letter on racism
Diane Abbott has been suspended as a Labour MP following a letter she wrote about racism
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Diane Abbott has been suspended as a Labour MP following a letter she wrote about racism, the party has said.
She said in the letter for the Observer that "many types of white people with points of difference" can experience prejudice.
The former Shadow Home Secretary added that they are not subject to racism "all their lives".
Abbott said: "Tomiwa Owolade claims that Irish, Jewish and Traveller people all suffer from 'racism'.
"They undoubtedly experience prejudice. This is similar to racism and the two words are often used as if they are interchangeable.
"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.
Several high-profile Conservative MPs have blasted Abbott's comments.
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"In pre-civil rights America, Irish people, Jewish people and Travellers were not required to sit at the back of the bus.
"In apartheid South Africa, these groups were allowed to vote.
"And at the height of slavery, there were no white-seeming people manacled on the slave ships."
A Labour spokesperson released a statement from the party saying:" 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."
Several high-profile Conservative MPs have blasted Abbott's comments.
Cabinet minister Grant Shapps, who is Jewish, tweeted: "Once again, Jewish people have to wake up and see a Labour MP casually spouting hateful anti-semitism. Keir Starmer are you actually going to do anything?"
Tory Deputy Chairman Lee Anderson told the Express: "I was a redhead in my younger day and I can reassure you that being called a 'gingernut' or being teased about hair colour is not racist and to suggest this is comparable to the hate our Jewish friends have suffered over hundreds of years is quite disturbing from one of Labour's leading politicians. Quite frankly it's disgusting but comes as no surprise."
Diane Abbott posted a statement on Twitter
In a statement shared on Twitter this morning, Ms Abbott apologised and distanced herself from the remarks.
She said: "I am writing regarding my letter that was recently published in the Observer.
"I wish to wholly and unreservedly withdraw my written remarks and disassociate myself from them.
"The errors arose in an initial draft being sent. But there is no excuse and I wish to apologise for any anguish caused.
"Racism takes many forms and it is completely undeniable that Jewish people have suffered its monstrous effects, as have Irish people, travellers and many others.
"Once again, I would like to apologise publicly for the remarks and any distress caused as a result of them."