Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Diane Abbott: Lack of charity

By Amit Roy

DIANE ABBOTT does not attack other black politicians but, sadly, has shown little generosity of spirit in dealing with two Asian MPs, Priti Patel and Keith Vaz.


Having herself suffered vile abuse as a black woman, it is a matter of regret that Abbott displayed a remarkable willingness to knife Asian colleagues.

Following Sir Philip Rutnam’s resignation as permanent secretary at the Home Office, she lost no time calling for “a genuinely independent inquiry” into allegations of bullying levelled against the home secretary.

“I’m afraid it would be better if she stood down,” Abbott told Radio 4’s Today programme. “We are calling on her to step down while the inquiry goes on.”

She might argue that she was just doing her job as shadow home secretary. But what are her thoughts as she sees Patel doing the job that had eluded her?

Before the general election last year, Abbott was on the Today programme calling for Vaz to stand down as the Labour candidate for Leicester East.

“I think he should consider his position. I think he himself should agree not to be a candidate,” said Abbott, inexcusably dragging Vaz’s family into her attack.

“It has been a very sad issue, not just for him but for his family and his children.”

When it was put to her that the Labour whip had not yet been withdrawn from Vaz, Abbott responded: “Not yet, but I think Keith should consider his position.”

It didn’t matter that both Abbott and Vaz had entered the Commons together in 1987.

Abbott has said that when the new Labour leader is elected, she will step down as shadow home secretary and return to the backbenches. There is no certainty she would have been retained in the shadow cabinet.

I leave to one side allegations that Abbott herself has been a bit of a bully.

Meanwhile, the Sunday Telegraph has been approached by a senior civil servant who told the paper that Rutman “undermined the integrity” of his profession by “declaring war” on Patel.

“I think it sets a dangerous precedent – senior civil servants trying to take down a democratically elected minister,” the official said.

More For You

Comment: To stay on target, Starmer needs to decide where he’s aiming
Prime minister Keir Starmer (Photo: Getty Images)

Comment: To stay on target, Starmer needs to decide where he’s aiming

Targets are prime minister Sir Keir Starmer’s theme of this week. His ‘plan for government’ will set out the measurable milestones that Labour intends to deliver.

Targets do different things in government and politics. They signal priorities to the public and the government machine. They can drive progress – or distort systems if badly designed. Governments tend to overestimate the public impact of statistical updates. Feelings often shape perceptions more than facts. But nothing draws quite so much attention to a government target as a spectacular failure to hit it.

Keep ReadingShow less
Eye Spy: Top stories from the world of entertainment
Shah Rukh Khan

Eye Spy: Top stories from the world of entertainment

BIG COUNTDOWN

MARK your calendars for Eastern Eye’s list of the top 50 Asian stars of 2024, which will be released on December 13. This globally celebrated countdown honours south Asian achievers across popular culture, including film, music, TV, and social media.

Keep ReadingShow less
What faith says about euthanasia
There are emotional arguments both for and against the proposed law change

What faith says about euthanasia

MY UNCLE, who died, aged 88, in August, would have turned 89 last week.

He had been suffering from vascular dementia, but the idea of assisted dying would have horrified him. In fact, three days before he died, he told me he wanted to have a big party when he returned from hospital. He did go home for 24 hours, but deteriorated so sharply overnight he had to be rushed back to hospital, with me in the ambulance alongside him.

Keep ReadingShow less
Top take on south Indian cinema news
Amaran

Top take on south Indian cinema news

Sivakarthikeyan strikes gold

From a small-screen host to a box office phenomenon, Sivakarthikeyan’s meteoric rise has been extraordinary. His latest blockbuster, Amaran, crossed the `3 billion (£28.3 million) mark, establishing him among Tamil cinema’s elite alongside Rajinikanth, Vijay, and Ajith.

Keep ReadingShow less
What are men doing to make women feel safe?
Women continue to face daily fears and challenges to their safety

What are men doing to make women feel safe?

WHEN you’re a woman, the simplest things can feel terrifying.

Walking home at night, getting into your car, or entering your house alone after dark – all can be fraught with fear. For women living alone, these anxieties can be heightened. I, for one, keep a hammer next to my bed – people laugh, but who else will protect me if someone breaks in?

Keep ReadingShow less