Angela Rayner wants to see Diane Abbott back as Labour MP
Angela Rayner, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, has expressed her desire to see Diane Abbott reinstated as a Labour MP following her suspension for comments made about various ethnic groups facing racism.
Although Rayner cited frustration with the duration of the investigation, she emphasized the necessity of adhering to the party's procedures. Abbott, who has drawn criticism for her remarks and retained her parliamentary seat as an independent, apologized for any upset caused by her comments.
She is currently under Labour's continued examination but believes exclusion by party leader Sir Keir Starmer would be a regrettable outcome.
Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper shared concerns over the protracted inquiry but highlighted its independence. Meanwhile, Abbott has criticized both the Conservative Party's immigration strategy and Labour's handling of racism, noting that addressing racism isn't the responsibility of just one party. Despite efforts to voice her concerns during Prime Minister's Questions, she was unable to do so.
Rayner acknowledged that while Labour works diligently to combat internal racism, it cannot overlook its own members' experiences with racism and misogyny. Sir Keir Starmer acknowledges the need to support Abbott against derogatory attacks but maintains that her readmission to the party hinges on the conclusion of the independent investigation concerning alleged antisemitism.