MP Angela Smith apologises after appearing to suggest ethnic minorities 'funny' colour

An MP has apologised after she sparked a Twitter storm after appearing to describe ethnic groups as a ‘funny’ colour.

Angela Smith, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, is one of seven MPs to have left the Labour Party on Monday amid rows over how Jeremy Corbyn handled allegations of anti-semitism and Brexit.

Speaking on Monday’s Politics Show Ms Smith appeared to described people of a mixed race as a ‘funny’ colour.

She said: “The recent history of the party I have just left suggests it’s not just about being black or a funny…you know, different from the BME.”

The clip has been widely shared on social media by supporters of Mr Corbyn.

And was quickly posted to social media by Twitter user Aaron Bastani, publisher of political magazine NovaraMedia, who said: “Today’s #LabourSplit, we are told, was partly driven by a commitment to ‘anti-racism’.

“Within hours Angela Smith, one of the MPs involved, referred to BAME people as being a ‘funny’ colour on #politicslive This is the first day.”

In a video apology posted to Twitter Ms Smith said: “I have seen the clip from Politics Live, I am very sorry about any offence caused.

“I am very upset that I mis-spoke so badly. It’s not what I am. I am committed to fighting racism wherever I find it in our society.”

In a statement released as the Labour Party split was announced Ms Smith said since Mr Corbyn’s election as leader in 2015 there has been a change in the Labour Party that has “destroyed the proud legacy built by our predecessors”.

She also revealed that by the age of five she knew her voting intention, but that the current Labour Party is “characterised by lazy, populist thinking”.

Earlier on Monday Mr Corbyn said: “I am disappointed that these MPs have felt unable to continue to work together for the Labour policies that inspired millions at the last election and saw us increase our vote by the largest share since 1945.

“Labour won people over on a programme for the many not the few – redistributing wealth and power, taking vital resources into public ownership, investing in every region and nation, and tackling climate change.

“The Conservative Government is bungling Brexit, while Labour has set out a unifying and credible alternative plan. When millions are facing the misery of Universal Credit, rising crime, homelessness and poverty, now more than ever is the time to bring people together to build a better future for us all.”