Diane Abbott Deserves More
TW: racism, and threats to life
A Tory donor, Frank Hester, made comments about Labour MP Diane Abbott, saying that she 'makes you hate all black women' and that she 'should be shot'. When questioned, he clarified it was nothing to do with Abbott's gender or race.
Hester's comments are indeed problematic but that isn't even the crux of the issue. There seems to be no uproar about Hester's comments and how impactful they are in the UK. There was more attention on Abbott consuming a can of mojito on a train a while ago!
The UK views itself as a country that has moved on from its colonialist past, with an Indian Hindu PM and several people of colour in positions of authority in government. But Abbott's treatment demonstrates that racism is alive and kicking, here in politics.
I quite frankly don't care if you love Abbott or hate her. An old white rich man has made these comments and can get away with it because he funds the Conservatives as a big donor. He is allowed to make racist comments and threats and face no repercussions because of who he is. What does this say about our country? Why has he not faced consequences for such comments? How can a British political party operate on this donation?
Downing Street has said that Hester's comments were racist. But that is all. Many have called for Hester's donation to be returned and I agree with this - it isn't a Conservative/Labour issue but a principle issue, we can't have racism funding political parties. The Conservatives shouldn't stand for it like every other party and Abbott deserves an apology at the very least.
Abbott has reported the comments to the Met Police. We'll see what they do - now we need action more than ever, at a time when MPs are regularly subjected to threats and abuse. Letting Hester's comments slide gives others the opportunity to do similar things to other public officials doing their job.
There is a long way to go with racism in politics but Abbott already knew that. I just feel devastated that she's still facing the same behaviour from when she was first elected as the first black female MP in 1987.
What has changed in 37 years? Certainly not how Abbott is treated - and that will be the reality for many others in the UK.
#dianeabbott #racism #frankhester #torydonor #theconservatives #labour #ukpolitics #politicalparties #uk #institutionalracism
*Photo is obtained from BBC News, all rights reserved 
Comments