Labour taking Diane Abbott’s latest comments on racism ‘incredibly seriously’
Guardian1 day
UK: Starmer Suspends Diane Abbott Again Over 2023 Comments
Above: Diane Abbott speaks during a protest over benefits cuts organised by the People's Assembly on June 7, 2025, in London, England. Image copyright: Leon Neal/Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
Labour's suspension of Diane Abbott exposes institutional racism within the party. Abbott's comments on racism reflect academic debate, not prejudice. Repeated punitive responses reaffirm how anti-Black racism continues to be minimized while other concerns are prioritized. Suspending Abbott twice demonstrates alarming double standards and silences legitimate discourse on discrimination.
Right narrative
Abbott's suspension was the right move. Doubling down on harmful views and abandoning her previous apology shows that she does not understand the harmful nature of the comments she made. Decades of Labour membership do not excuse damaging statements that alienate voters and communities, particularly at a time when antisemitism and social tensions are already inflamed.