BBC News

Dianne Abbot, elected as the UK's first black female MP, claimed on Wednesday that the Labour Party were attempting to "exclude" her from seeking reelection in Hackney North and Stoke Newington.

Diane Abbott, elected as the UK's first black female MP, claimed on Wednesday that the Labour Party were attempting to "exclude" her from seeking reelection in Hackney North and Stoke Newington.

Diane Abbott, the UK's first black female MP, claimed on Wednesday that the Labour Party were attempting to "exclude" her from seeking reelection in Hackney North and Stoke Newington.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that Diane Abbott, the UK's first female black MP, will be allowed to stand as a party candidate after accusations that she had been banned from from seeking reelection in Hackney North and Stoke Newington.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that Diane Abbott, the UK's first female black MP, is "free" to stand as a party candidate following allegations she had been banned from from seeking reelection in Hackney North and Stoke Newington.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that Diane Abbott, the UK's first female black MP, is "free" to stand as a party candidate following allegations she had been banned from seeking reelection in Hackney North and Stoke Newington.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that Diane Abbott, the UK's first female Black member of parliament, is "free" to stand as a party candidate following allegations she had been banned from seeking reelection in Hackney North and Stoke Newington.

Abbott, the UK's first black female MP, had been suspended last year for saying that racism isn't something that Jewish people face "all their lives," with Labour announcing Tuesday that her suspension had been lifted after an investigation.

The Times had reported a day earlier that Abbott, who has served as an MP for 37-years, was not to be endorsed as a candidate by Labour's National Executive Committee despite having the party whip restored.

The Times had reported a day earlier that Abbott, who has served in Parliament for 37-years, was not to be endorsed as a candidate by Labour's National Executive Committee despite having the party whip restored.

The Times had reported on Tuesday that Abbott, who has served in Parliament for 37-years, was not to be endorsed as a candidate by Labour's National Executive Committee despite having the party whip restored.

The Times had reported on Tuesday that Abbott, who has served in Parliament for 37-years, was not to be endorsed as a candidate by Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) despite having the party whip restored.

The Times had reported on Tuesday that Abbott, who has served in Parliament for 37 years, was not to be endorsed as a candidate by Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) despite having the party whip restored.

Al Jazeera

The MP informed the BBC on Wednesday that while the suspension had been lifted, she had been barred from standing in the election, adding that she was "very dismayed." Abbot has represented Labour in parliament since 1987.

The MP informed the BBC on Wednesday that while the suspension was lifted, she had been barred from standing in the election, adding that she was "very dismayed" by the confusion. Abbot has represented Labour an an MP since 1987.

Independent

In April 2023, the MP was suspended for claiming that Jewish, Traveller, and Irish communities did not experience racism, but rather prejudice. Abbott has announced today that she would remain MP for her constituency "as long as irt is possible."

In April 2023, the MP was suspended for claiming that Jewish, Traveller, and Irish communities did not experience racism, but rather prejudice. Abbott has announced today that she would remain MP for her constituency "as long as it is possible."

Evening Standard

In April 2023, the MP was suspended for claiming that Jewish, Traveller, and Irish communities did not experience racism, but rather prejudice. Abbott later withdrew her comments.

In April 2023, the lawmaker was suspended for claiming that Jewish, Traveller, and Irish communities did not experience racism, but rather prejudice. Abbott later withdrew her comments.

Guardian

Speaking later in the day, Starmer said it was untrue that Labour made a decision to bar Abbott, but said that national executive committee is yet to select a candidate to represent Labour in Abbott's riding.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has in contrast stated that "no decision has been taken" to stop Abbott from running as a candidate, and confirmed that she had been restored as a member of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP).

The news comes after Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner commented a day earlier that she didn't "see any reason" why Abbott could not stand as a Labour candidate. Starmer had previously stated that no decision had yet been taken by the NEC.

The Labour Party

The National Executive Committee (NEC) is described by Labour to have the "primary purpose" of providing "strategic direction for the Party". There are 41 committee members, including Starmer and Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner MP.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) is described by Labour as having the "primary purpose" of providing "strategic direction for the Party". There are 41 committee members, including Starmer and Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner MP.

The same week, Labour candidate Faiza Shaheen has also claimed that Labour's NEC HAS blocked her bid for the constituency of Chingford and Woodford Green for liking allegedly antisemitic posts on social media.

Labour candidate Faiza Shaheen has also claimed this week that Labour's NEC has blocked her bid for the constituency of Chingford and Woodford Green for liking allegedly antisemitic posts on social media.

Abbott, on the Labour party's left-wing, received support from other MPs. Former party leader and Abbott ally, Jeremy Corbyn, was barred from running for reelection after saying that antisemitism in Labour was "dramatically overstated."

Keir Starmer, leader of the UK's opposition Labour Party, has denied Labour Member of Parliament (MP) Diane Abbott's claim that she had been barred from standing in the July general election, saying that "no decision" had been made.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) is described by Labour as having the "primary purpose" of providing "strategic direction for the Party". There are 41 committee members, including both Starmer and Rayner.

The NEC is described by Labour as having the "primary purpose" of providing "strategic direction for the Party". There are 41 committee members, including both Starmer and Rayner.

BBC News #1937

BBC News #

Al Jazeera #3510

Independent #

Guardian #3893

Starmer's purge of the party's left-wing is outrageous and unacceptable. While Abbott has made mistakes and may not see eye to eye on policy with Starmer, Labour's treatment towards one of its most historic and respected figures has been neither fair nor equal to the punishment given to numerous white men within the party. Labour has alienated the entirety of its progressive base, who have now been left without a major political party willing to fight for a better future.

The New Arab

Labour's handling of Diane Abbott seals Starmer's black betrayal

While currently perceived an unnecessary and self-induced political disaster, Starmer has pulled the trigger on a tough but necessary decision in order for his party to win the general election. Irrespective of Abbott's fate, Starmer's intent is a clear signal of Labour's future direction that will likely reassure the wider voting population in the long-term.

Spectator (UK)

Spectator (UK) #5561

The tragedy of Diane Abbott

Abbott should not be forgiven for her antisemitic comments, and Labour's botched internal investigation highlights the party's complete and utter incompetence. While unlikely to affect the general election outcome, Starmer's weakness and Labour's moral hypocrisy should come of no surprise to the British public.

The Sun

Diane Abbott’s rank anti-Semitism would be deemed unforgivable by the Left if it had come from a Tory

There is a 99% chance that Labour will have a majority in the House of Commons after the next UK General Election, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

Metaculus

Metaculus #

Labour Majority After Next UK Election?

Alishia Abodunde/Getty Images News via Getty Images

Starmer Announces Abbott Can Stand as Labour Candidate

Politics

United Kingdom

Governance

Starmer's purge of the party's left wing is outrageous and unacceptable. While Abbott has made mistakes and may not see eye to eye on policy with Starmer, Labour's treatment towards one of its most historic and respected figures has been neither fair nor equal to the punishment given to numerous white men within the party. Labour has alienated the entirety of its progressive base, who have now been left without a major political party willing to fight for a better future.

While currently perceived as an unnecessary and self-induced political disaster, Starmer has pulled the trigger on a tough but necessary decision in order for his party to win the general election. Irrespective of Abbott's fate, Starmer's intent is a clear signal of Labour's future direction that will likely reassure the wider voting population in the long term.

Abbott should not be forgiven for her antisemitic comments, and Labour's botched internal investigation highlights the party's complete and utter incompetence. While unlikely to affect the general election outcome, Starmer's weakness and Labour's moral hypocrisy should come as no surprise to the British public.

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Starmer Announces Abbott Can Stand as Labour Candidate

Starmer Announces Abbott Can Stand as Labour Candidate

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