Diane Abbott is suspended as a Labour MP pending an investigation into a letter she wrote about racism.
Image source, PA MediaDiane Abbott has been suspended as a Labour MP pending an investigation into a letter she wrote about racism for the Observer, the party has said.
The politician said “many types of white people with points of difference” can experience prejudice, in a letter published on Sunday.
But they are not subject to racism “all their lives”, she said.
She later tweeted to say she was withdrawing her remarks and apologised “for any anguish caused”.
In the letter, she wrote: “In pre-civil rights America, Irish people, Jewish people and Travellers were not required to sit at the back of the bus.
“In apartheid South Africa, these groups were allowed to vote.
“And at the height of slavery, there were no white-seeming people manacled on the slave ships.”
In her apology, Ms Abbott said “errors” arose in an initial draft that was sent.
She continued: “But there is no excuse, and I wish to apologise for any anguish caused.
“Racism takes many forms, and it is completely undeniable that Jewish people have suffered its monstrous effects, as have Irish people, Travellers and many others.”
The BBC has approached Ms Abbott for comment since the whip was removed.
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