Government Adviser Urges Conservatives to Distance Themselves from Donor
The government’s independent adviser on antisemitism has recommended that the Conservative party should sever connections with its primary donor, who allegedly made derogatory remarks about MP Diane Abbott.
Details of the Controversy
- The donor, Frank Hester, reportedly made racist comments about Diane Abbott during a work meeting in 2019.
- Hester suggested that Abbott, the UK’s longest-serving black MP, “should be shot” and expressed negative sentiments towards black women.
- Despite issuing a public apology, Hester’s remarks were deemed “dehumanising” and “dangerous” by Lord John Mann, the government’s independent adviser on antisemitism.
Call for Action
Lord John Mann emphasized the need for political parties to take a firm stance against such behavior, urging the Conservatives to cut ties with the donor.
Mann stressed the importance of unequivocally condemning racist remarks and taking decisive action to address them.
Response from Number 10
Following initial reluctance to label Hester’s comments as racist, the prime minister’s spokesperson eventually acknowledged the racist nature of the remarks and emphasized the government’s commitment to combating racism in public life.
Condemnation from Conservatives
A growing number of Conservative members, including trade secretary Kemi Badenoch, denounced Hester’s comments as racist and expressed support for Diane Abbott.
Impact on Democracy
Lord John Mann highlighted that Hester’s remarks not only targeted Diane Abbott but also posed a threat to democracy and the values of British society.
