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New Statesman
17-07-2025
- Politics
- New Statesman
Diane Abbott v the Labour Party
Photo by Daniel Leal-Olivas - WPA Pool / Getty Images It has been over two years since Diane Abbott sent that letter to the Observer, in which she argued that while Irish, Jewish and Traveller people could experience 'prejudice', 'they are not all their lives subject to racism', comparing the impact on their lives to the prejudice faced by 'redheads'. At the time, it looked as though that letter might have ended her political career. Having spent the first years of his Labour leadership attempting to purge the party of the anti-Semitism that had plagued it under his predecessor, Keir Starmer's response was swift. Abbott immediately had the Labour whip suspended – a suspension which lasted almost until the 2024 election, raising questions about whether she would even be allowed to stand again as a Labour candidate in Hackney North and Stoke Newington. Abbott did stand, winning her tenth election to become the Mother of the House – the honorific for the longest-serving female MP – and a vocal critic of the government. If her letter had not been forgotten or forgiven, it appeared to have been brushed under the carpet, with all concerned thinking it more expedient to move on. But Abbott herself seems to have other ideas. In an interview today (17 July) on BBC Radio 4's Reflections programme, she was asked about her comments in 2023 – and doubled down on them. 'Clearly, there must be a difference between racism which is about colour and other types of racism because you can see a Traveller or a Jewish person walking down the street, you don't know,' she said. 'I just think that it's silly to try and claim that racism which is about skin colour is the same as other types of racism. I don't know why people would say that.' In the aftermath of the original row, Abbott withdrew her remarks and apologised 'for any anguish caused'. During her suspension, this apology was noted by those advocated for her to be readmitted into the Labour party. But asked today if she regretted the incident, Abbott responded: 'No, not at all.' The interview has sparked renewed backlash, with calls for her to be suspended again. The Labour Party has said it is looking at the interview 'incredibly seriously', with senior Labour sources saying she is likely to be suspended. But we should not be surprised that Abbott does not regret what she said. Her memoir A Woman Like Me , published in September 2024, made it very clear what she thought about both the letter she wrote and how it was received. She wrote then that while her comments may have been 'ill-judged' and 'clumsy', she stood by them. As in the Reflections interview, she tries to make a distinction between visible and less visible characteristics that might put an individual at risk of a prejudice (an argument which is interesting to consider in light of the demographics of her constituency, which includes the Hasidic community in Stamford Hill whose members are highly identifiable as Jews). Instead of an apology, this passage in the book is an apologia, a defence of the entire incident. The only error Abbott admits to being naïve about what the fall-out might be, which she takes as not a reaction to the implications of what she says but a personal attack: 'The vitriol of the response in the press and the public debate surprised me, although perhaps I should have known by that point not to be surprised by any attacks against me in the media.' Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe If there are any doubts about whether her views might be interpreted as anti-Semitic, she argues these should be cast aside in light of her electoral success in such a Jewish seat: 'If I really did hate Jewish people, I think that after more than thirty years my neighbours and constituents would certainly have worked that out.' Today's interview echoes this argument: 'I do get a bit weary of people trying to pin the anti-Semitic label on me because I've spent a lifetime fighting racism of all kinds and in particular fighting anti-Semitism, partly because of the nature of my constituency.' This was not a case Abbott made while the investigation into her comments was ongoing and she was waiting for the Labour Party to decide whether to restore the whip. There was some confusion over her status in the run-up to the election, with conflicting reports that Abbott had been banned from standing again for Labour (something she is understood to have found out herself via media reports) or that a deal was being brokered to give her back the whip on the understanding she would not seek re-election. Whatever the plan may have been, it went awry – and the result was that Abbott did indeed stand again. If the Labour leadership expected gratitude on her part for this decision, they will have been disappointed. Discussing her book at the Cambridge Literary Festival in April this year, Abbott told the audience: 'I was elected for the tenth time last year, but that was no thanks to the people around Keir Starmer.' 'I could have stood down last year,' she continued, 'but I thought, F you, F you' – a line met with a round of applause. 'If I have to crawl back to parliament on my hands and knees, I'm going back.' Abbott did not choose to bring up the comments that had lead to her suspension in the first place. But had there been an audience question on it, the answer is right there in the book. If she feels emboldened to maintain her side of the story now, it is no wonder. Abbott's position has clearly been strengthened by winning the row over whether she would be allowed to stand: as Mother of the House and a trail-blazing veteran MP, she regularly attacks the Government in the chamber on issues from Gaza to welfare spending, and has so far faced no sanction from her party. In a week in which four Labour MPs have lost the whip due to persistent disobedience, her comments today sent a message to the Labour leadership attempting to stamp out dissent on the backbenches: bring it on. [Further reading: Why Keir Starmer has purged Labour rebels again] Related
New Statesman
16-07-2025
- Politics
- New Statesman
Why Keir Starmer has purged Labour rebels again
Photo by Isabel Infantes - WPA Pool / Getty Images. Keir Starmer's premiership began with discord, not harmony. Just three weeks after Labour's landslide victory, seven MPs had the whip suspended for voting in favour of a SNP amendment backing the abolition of the two-child benefit cap (something Starmer has since described in private as his personal priority). Almost exactly a year on, and in the aftermath of the mass welfare revolt, Starmer has enacted new reprisals. Four Labour MPs – Neil Duncan-Jordan, Chris Hinchcliff, Brian Leishman and Rachael Maskell – have had the whip removed for 'repeated breaches of party discipline' while an additional three – Rosena Allin-Khan, Bell Ribeiro-Addy and Mohammad Yasin – have lost their trade envoy posts (all seven were among the 47 Labour MPs who voted against the welfare bill in its amended form). The latter move is unsurprising: trade envoys are appointed to support the government and, as such, are expected to follow collective responsibility. More contentious among MPs is the renewed targeting of backbenchers. But one Starmer ally was unrepentant: 'These people were openly and publicly organising against the government whose programme they were elected to deliver,' they said (three of the four whipless MPs were elected for the first time in 2024). 'Government doesn't work unless they feel the weight of rebelling against it in the flagrant way these guys did'. In language that enraged some inside Labour, Maskell wrote in the New Statesman: 'What happened last Tuesday, on 1 July, was more significant than a policy climb-down. Power shifted. Keir Starmer's government was forced to recognise that autocracy is no way to rule: power is given by consent and can equally be taken away.' By acting now, No 10 has sent a warning to would-be ringleaders of anticipated rebellions over special educational needs reform, the two-child limit and the forthcoming immigration bill. But the timing – a week before the summer recess – has stunned MPs who believed Starmer had entered a more conciliatory phase of his premiership – more carrot and less stick (Downing Street has spoken of 'the need to bring people with us'). And there are at least two unflattering historical comparisons that are being made among MPs. The first is with Tony Blair who endured numerous revolts but allowed rebels such as Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell to retain the whip even as they broke it hundreds of times. 'Both Blair and [Gordon] Brown were relaxed because they were always confident that they could win the argument and didn't need threats,' John McDonnell, who lost the Labour whip last July, told me. The second is with Dominic Cummings. It was Boris Johnson's strategist who in recent history pioneered the tactic of removing the whip from rebels – 21 Conservative MPs suffered this fate in September 2019 after seeking to thwart a no-deal Brexit. This was ruthlessness but for a clear purpose: removing all obstacles to the UK leaving the EU. The challenge for Starmer – after multiple U-turns – is that even sympathisers remain uncertain what his is. Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe Related
New York Post
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Lip reader reveals what Brigitte Macron quietly said to Kate Middleton during French state visit
Brigitte Macron's sweet interaction with Kate Middleton has been decoded by a professional lip reader. The royal family rolled out the welcome wagon for French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Tuesday — complete with a horse-drawn carriage ride, traditional procession and a lavish State Banquet at Windsor Castle. Fresh off the plane at RAF Northolt, the Macrons were greeted by the ever-stylish Prince and Princess of Wales. 5 Brigitte Macron's sweet interaction with Kate Middleton has been decoded by a professional lip reader. Geoff Pugh/WPA Pool/Shutterstock After exchanging pleasantries, complete with handshakes, hugs and the customary French greeting of a double cheek air kiss called 'la bise' — Brigitte was spotted chatting away with the future queen. 'Thank you, thank you very much, thank you… it's good to see you,' Brigitte said to Princess Catherine, 43, according to lip reader Jeremy Freeman. Freedman told the Express that the French First Lady told Middleton that it was 'so good' to see her, adding, 'You look great!' Nearby, another heartwarming exchange was taking place between Macron, King Charles and Prince William. 5 The royal family rolled out the welcome wagon for French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Tuesday. Geoff Pugh/WPA Pool/Shutterstock 5 Fresh off the plane at RAF Northolt, the Macrons were greeted by the ever-stylish Prince and Princess of Wales. Geoff Pugh/WPA Pool/Shutterstock As Macron warmly shook the monarch's hand and kissed Queen Camilla's, the French president then placed his hand on the king's back. Shortly after, lip reader Nicola Hickling told the Sun that Macron remarked on William's tall stature, telling Charles, 'He is incredibly tall.' The king, who boasts a height of 5ft 10in, responded, 'He is very tall. He's six foot one, he is, ever so.' 5 The Princess of Wales shared a sweet exchange with Brigitte Macron, who told her she 'looks great.' AP It appears that William heard the pair's exchange, chiming in, 'Actually, I'm six foot three.' Macron, who stands at 5ft 7in, cheekily quipped, 'Unlike us, we're short.' Later in the day, Charles and Camilla hosted a lavish 160-person State Banquet, during which the king delivered a powerful tribute to William. However, the king made no mention of his estranged youngest son, Prince Harry. The Duke of Sussex quit royal life with his wife, Meghan Markle, in 2020 and moved to Montecito, Calif. 5 King Charles and Queen Camilla welcomed the Macrons at Windsor Castle shortly afterward. AP The 'Spare' author, 40, recently told the BBC that he would 'love a reconciliation' with his cancer-stricken father, though he claimed the king 'won't speak' to him. 'There's no point continuing to fight anymore, life is precious,' the Invictus Games founder said, adding that he has since 'forgiven' them for their many 'disagreements.'
Perth Now
09-07-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
King Charles' blood-filled eye sparks concern
King Charles has alarmed royal watchers after appearing with a dramatically blood-filled eye as he welcomed to the UK French president Emmanuel Macron. While the 76-year-old monarch, who is undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, was all smiles as he greeted Mr Macron and first lady Brigitte, his appearance raised concerns for his health. The King was joined by wife Queen Camilla, and Prince William and his wife Catherine during royal ceremonial duties surrounding the state visit by the French head of state. King Charles, Queen Camilla and French President Emmanuel Macron attend a welcome ceremony at Windsor Castle. Credit: WPA Pool / Getty Images Speculation around the King's health sparked by his appearance prompted Buckingham Palace to issue a health update to address concerns. A spokesperson confirmed the bloodshot eye was due to a burst blood vessel that had developed overnight. They stressed it was not cause for alarm and was not related to his cancer treatment. A burst blood vessel, also known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, usually looks worse than it actually is. Generally they are harmless and can be caused by something simple such as a sneeze or a cough. The redness usually clears within about two weeks. The bloodshot appearance is due to a burst blood vessel. Credit: Chris Jackson / Getty Images Charles was diagnosed with cancer in 2024 and has been undergoing treatment for it ever since. While the form of cancer has never been revealed, reports have suggested the King is likely to die 'with' and not 'of' the cancer. It's treatable but not curable, which is the case for many older individuals battling the disease, renowned royal correspondent and the editor of the UK Daily Telegraph, Camilla Tominey, reported. President Emmanuel Macron and Mrs Brigitte Macron visit the UK in the first visit State Visit made by France in 17 years. Credit: Chris Jackson / Getty Images Mr Macron's three-day visit, at the invitation of the King, is the first state visit to the UK by a European Union head of state since Brexit, and is seen as a symbol of the British government's desire to reset relations with the bloc that the UK acrimoniously left in 2020. 'The United Kingdom is a strategic partner, an ally, a friend,' Mr Macron wrote on X, in a marked change of tone from the years of wrangling over Brexit. 'Our bond is longstanding, forged by history and strengthened by trust.' France's President Emmanuel Macron clinks glasses with King Charles. Credit: Pool / Getty Images The President and his wife were greeted on a red carpet at London's RAF Northolt air base by the Prince and Princess of Wales. They were met in Windsor, west of London, by Charles and Camilla. A military band played the French and British national anthems as all four set out for the royal residence of Windsor Castle in horse-drawn carriages, through streets bedecked in Union Jacks and French tricolour flags. The King and Queen also hosted a state banquet for their guests. — With AAP
New Statesman
08-07-2025
- Business
- New Statesman
Would you take financial advice from Rishi Sunak?
Photo by Leon Neal - WPA Pool /Getty Images Desperate times, desperate measures. Climbing from 245th to 238th on the rich list may not qualify as desperate to all readers, but it does to Rishi Sunak. His net worth having slimmed by £11 million last year to a worrying £640 million, Sunak has returned to Goldman Sachs, where he first worked as an intern in the hazy days of Gordon Brown's boom. Now Sunak is in the boardroom. He probably won't have to make anyone a coffee. Who knows – he may even earn enough to buy an umbrella. It may seem an odd move. The furlough scheme that first endeared Sunak to the nation has dried up for the hoi polloi, but flows on handsomely for ex-PMs. They – and this includes Liz Truss – may claim up to £115,000 annually in public duties. But for Sunak the cash was less furlough, more jobseeker's allowance. Other supports, too, may have aided his successful application. It may be that the homeless man he was filmed asking about business in December 2022 has come good with some belated advice. Sunak never stopped admiring the Wall Street elite. Soon after declaring the general election last year, Sunak put JP Morgan boss Jamie Dimon forward for a UK honour. Dimon's compensation in 2024 was said to be $39 million. Hiring Sunak goes against the grain at Goldman Sachs. In March, they announced they would be laying off 3-5 per cent of their staff. And those that remain can't expect an easy ride. In the past, new employees have complained of 100-hour working weeks. Yikes! But those are eager young graduates, dreaming of buying a studio flat inside the M25. This has never been about the money for Rishi. We know from the time he couldn't use a contactless card at a petrol-station in March 2022 that he doesn't know much about spending the stuff anyway. Finance was always the passion. Downing Street was the sabbatical. Like Nick Clegg's X profile mentioning his career at Meta before his deputy premiership, leading our nation may end up being no more than a petty asterisk on Rishi's LinkedIn. After graduating from Oxford University, Sunak first went to Goldman Sachs, then on to two hedge funds. He worked in business for the first 15 years of his career. Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe His political innings is unlikely to last so long. Sunak entered the Commons in 2015. It is not known if he will fight a seat at the next general election. He could if he wanted to: his rural Richmond and Northallerton seat enjoyed the largest Tory margin of all constituencies at the last election. But it was reported in the scurrilous right-wing blog Pimlico Journal today that broadsword-bearing Boudica Penny Mordaunt has recently acquired a home there. En garde! At this stage in British politics, Sunak's new gig will provoke no more than mild reaction. When Tony Blair earned more than £12 million in the year after he left office, the country felt betrayed. Historian Alwyn Turner noted that Blair's disgrace 'had a tragic, almost mythic, element to it, because so many had made an emotional investment in him.'. Now it will not even feel surprised. Slipping from filthy power to filthy lucre is now the cursus honorum's standard off ramp. The revolving door revolves. Then revolves again. [See also: Let the non-doms leave] Related
