Political parties, like individuals, constantly face choices.
However, similar to individuals, those choices can be constrained by the perceived need for consistency.
This principle underpins the latest developments in the ongoing situation involving Diane Abbott and the Labour Party.
Abbott is a pioneering figure of historical significance, being the first black woman elected to the House of Commons and currently serving as the Mother of the House, the longest-serving female MP, initially elected in 1987.
The present controversy stems from a 118-word letter Abbott wrote to The Observer newspaper in April 2023.
The letter can be accessed here.
While her exact words at that time and presently are noteworthy, the core issue is that the reason for her initial suspension as a Labour MP remains pertinent – because she has now stated that she does not regret those original remarks.
What were her remarks in 2023?
She wrote: “Irish, Jewish and Traveller people undoubtedly experience prejudice. This is similar to racism. It is true that many types of white people with points of difference, such as redheads, can experience this prejudice. But they are not all their lives subject to racism.”
Effectively, she appeared to equate antisemitism with the prejudice faced by individuals with red hair.
She retracted the remarks, apologised, and was subsequently suspended, sitting as an independent MP.
She was reinstated just before last year’s general election, allowing her to stand as a Labour candidate.
In a BBC Radio 4 interview recorded in May but broadcast this week, she was asked to reflect on the controversy.
Crucially, when asked if she regretted the situation, she stated, “no, not at all.”
She added: “Clearly there must be a difference between racism which is about colour and other types of racism.”
She reasoned that a person’s skin color is immediately and visibly apparent, unlike being Jewish, for example.
Her terminology has evolved since the 2023 letter; she now characterizes antisemitism as racism, rather than prejudice.
She also reiterated her condemnation of antisemitism.
However, her lack of regret is central, as she affirms that she does not regret the very words that led to her initial suspension.
Therefore, to maintain consistency, the Labour Party arguably had little option but to repeat the previous course of action and suspend her again.
The political context is also important. Labour was deeply divided by disputes over antisemitism during Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, and the party was found to have violated the Equality Act in three instances by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
Upon becoming Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer pledged to “tear out this poison by its roots.”
Consequently, an unwavering stance against anything perceived as antisemitic has been a cornerstone of Sir Keir’s leadership, given Labour’s recent history.
In a statement responding to her suspension, Abbott stated, “it is obvious this Labour leadership wants me out. My comments in the interview were factually correct, as any fair-minded person would accept.”
She is once again an independent MP, the party must determine its next steps, and she must contemplate her future actions, while her former political ally, Jeremy Corbyn, also outside the Labour Party, endeavors to establish a new party on the left.
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