Abbott suspended again by Labour over race row letter

Diane Abbott has been suspended by the Labour Party over her claim she stood by a controversial letter she wrote in 2023 comparing different types of racism based on colour.

- By DAVID MADDOX, POLITICAL EDITOR

A Labour Party spokesperson said: “Diane Abbott has been administratively suspended from the Labour Party, pending an investigation. We cannot comment further while this investigation is ongoing.”

The move means the whip is automatically suspended in the House of Commons for the Hackney North and Stoke Newington MP, it is understood.

Ms Abbott was suspended from the parliamentary Labour Party in 2023 after writing a letter to The Observer comparing racism experienced by people of colour with that seen by other groups.

She apologised for any anguish caused by the remarks, which drew criticism from Jewish and Traveller groups, and was readmitted to the party before the 2024 general election.

But speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Reflections yesterday, she said she did not look back on the incident with regret.