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Diane Abbott apologises over ‘racist’ tweet

Labour MP Diane Abbott has apologised after a tweet she posted said that "white people love playing divide and rule”

The Hackney North and Stoke Newington MP came under fire for the tweet posted on Wednesday night, with Conservative MP Nadhim Zahawi calling for her resignation. Diane Abbott later apologised for the post and while denouncing the language used, Labour refused to be drawn on her position within the Opposition.


“I understand people have interpreted my comments as making generalisations about white people, I do not believe in doing that," Abbott said in a statement. "I apologise for any offence caused".

The post was a reply to journalist Bim Adewunmi who had commented on the use of the term ‘black community’ in coverage of the Stephen Lawrence trial. Diane Abbott has since said that the tweet was “taken out of context”. She asserted that it referred “to the nature of 19th century European colonialism” and that it was a “bit much to get into 140 characters”.

Conservative MP Nadhir Zahawi denounced the post, stating: “A healthy society should not tolerate any form of racism, Diane Abbott should apologise and resign or Ed Miliband must sack her”. Journalist and former Conservative MP Paul Goodman added to the calls for Abbott's dismissal, claiming that “even the most clear cut apology won’t do”.

Backing Diane Abbott, Labour MP Chuka Umunna said: "Of course what was stated…was clearly unacceptable but she has unreservedly apologized. She is a politician who stands for equality, who stands against prejudice and hatred."

"It was something that was tweeted in the early hours of the morning and it doesn’t reflect what she or the Labour party believes. As public figures our word are our tools and so you have to exercise real care."

Responding to the post a Labour spokesman said: “We disagree with Diane’s tweet. It is wrong to make sweeping generalisations about any race, creed, or culture. The Labour Party has always campaigned against such behaviour- and so has Diane Abbott.” 

Diane Abbott stood for the Labour party leadership in 2010, eventually losing out to Ed Miliband. She is currently the shadow minister for public health.

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