Skip to content
Search AI Powered

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When it was put to her that the Labour whip had not yet been withdrawn from Vaz, Abbott responded: “Not yet, but I think Keith should consider his position.”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: Dealing with Trump and Musk may dominate the politics of 2025

Elon Musk (L) and Donald Trump

Getty Images

Comment: Dealing with Trump and Musk may dominate the politics of 2025

How to deal with US president-elect Donald Trump may dominate global politics in 2025. The question generates existential concern in Ukraine, but a sense of opportunity in Moscow and Tel Aviv. India's growing status makes prime minister Narendra Modi’s government less nervous about another Trump era than most. Anxiety about security, trade and diplomacy dominates European capitals.

Keir Starmer’s British government will seek as much ‘business as usual’ as possible in such volatile times. It may sound like wishful thinking, but no obvious alternative strategy is available. Peter Mandelson’s mission in Washington as UK ambassador will be to limit the damage that tariffs could do to economic growth, or that erratic diplomacy might do to NATO.The new year proved there will be no mutual non-aggression pact from Trump’s allies in America, as Elon Musk embarked on a freelance mission to destroy Starmer’s government.

Keep ReadingShow less
Football with Faris: The week’s hottest stories from the beautiful game

Despite a new manager in Arne Slot, Liverpool have taken this season by storm, only dropping points in three out of the 14 games they’ve played. (Photo: Getty Images)

Football with Faris: The week’s hottest stories from the beautiful game

By: Faris Gohir

The Premier League title race has heated up. Which teams are favourites for Champions League places? Which teams are as good as relegated, and who is the surprise package? Time for a mid-season wrap-up.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dangers of culture wars and how to defuse them

Kemi Badenoch

Getty Images

Dangers of culture wars and how to defuse them

Kemi Badenoch has decided to be out and proud as a culture warrior. “It is meant to be pejorative, but I love the title the left-wing media give me”, she told her Washington DC audience last week. “I believe in tradition. And if we don’t defend our culture, who will?”, the Conservative leader said, even declaring herself to be “descended from warriors”.

Since most people don't want a culture war, British politicians usually blame the other side for starting them. Even now, while embracing the label, Badenoch will return to her earlier complaint that the term is a ‘dog whistle’ to delegitimise conservative voices. Labour Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy had used her very first speech in the role to declare that “the era of culture wars is over”. Badenoch’s appetite for the cultural argument illustrates why unilateral disarmament of cultural conflict is challenging. So how could we ‘call off’ the culture wars - or at least defuse unconstructive arguments about identity?

Keep ReadingShow less
Eye Spy: Top stories from the world of entertainment
AR Rahman and Saira Banu

Eye Spy: Top stories from the world of entertainment

Eastern Eye

INSPIRING STORY

Kopal Khanna

KOPAL KHANNA is an Indian content creator who is redefining the ancient art of storytelling for the digital age, using it to bring people together. Her remarkable venture, Tape A Tale, provides aspiring storytellers with a space to share their narratives and has amassed nearly 500,000 followers on Instagram. You can follow this inspiring creator on Instagram at @tapeatale and @kopalkhanna

Keep ReadingShow less
‘Debate must include assisted dying bill’s impact on society as a whole’
The second reading of the bill was passed by the Commons last Friday (29) by 330 votes to 275, which shows MPs are as divided on this issue as the rest of the country.

‘Debate must include assisted dying bill’s impact on society as a whole’

Amit Roy

“WELL, Rameshbhai,” murmured the medic, gently adjusting the patient’s pillow, “your near and dear ones have asked me to have a word with you.

“They are grateful for the large inheritance you are leaving. It’s not about the money. It’s just that they don’t want you to suffer any more. They have the documents ready. All you have do to sign them. They will then ‘do the needful’. They can make all your pain vanish in a second. They want to show their love for you.”

Keep ReadingShow less