News release, for immediate release
28th September 2023
Trade union and anti-racist leaders call on Labour to restore whip to Diane Abbott MP
Trade union General Secretaries and anti-racist leaders are urging the Labour Party to restore the whip to Diane Abbott MP, citing Abbott’s “vociferous” campaigning against racism in light of the government’s various attacks on communities facing racism in a joint statement organised by Stand up to Racism (see statement below).
This week alone Home Secretary Suella Braverman undermined the Geneva Convention on Refugees – established in the wake of the Holocaust – and women and LGBTQ communities who seek asylum due to persecution based on gender and sexual orientation, in a widely condemned speech. Braverman also controversially sided with armed police officers who refused to serve following the historic murder charge of an officer for the shooting of unarmed black man Chris Kaba.
Far right and fascist movements have echoed Braverman and government inflammatory rhetoric and used them to build support.
Diane Abbott MP has made history as the longest serving black MP and the first black woman MP. Abbott is President of Stand up to Racism, has consistently fought racism throughout her time as an MP and received more racism and abuse than any other MP.
Anti-racist campaigners and trade union leaders say Abbott has fought this racist Tory agenda and that Labour needs MPs like Diane Abbott.
FULL STATEMENT:
The Tory government has drawn the battle lines of the next General Election on the issue of racism as the horrific and shambolic “Stop the Boats” week shows.
The far right is using this anti-refugee racism to build support and research shows a link between inflammatory statements by politicians and violent racist attacks on the streets.
All progressive people, MPs and organisations must oppose this racism.
Diane Abbott MP has fought this racist Tory agenda and has been a vociferous campaigner against all forms of racism for decades. She has also faced more abuse and racism than any other MP in Parliament.
We need MPs like Diane Abbott. We urge the Labour Party to restore the whip to Diane Abbott MP.
Signed:
MARK SERWOTKA PCS General Secretary
MICK WHELAN Aslef General Secretary
DANIEL KEBEDE NEU General Secretary (personal capacity)
MATT WRACK FBU General Secretary
SARAH WOOLLEY BFAWU General Secretary
TONY KEARNS CWU Senior Deputy General Secretary
SABBY DHALU Stand up to Racism Co-Convenor
WEYMAN BENNETT Stand up to Racism Co-Convenor
For further information or interviews please email info@standuptroracism.org.uk