‘Abbott feedback not ‘racism row’ or ‘Tory chaos’ – this is stone cold racism’

Is this where we are now?

Are we really at a place where the largest donor to the governing party can allegedly, brazenly suggest he wants a Black, high profile female MP shot?

Are we really at a moment where ministers will try to deflect, obfuscate and bend over backwards to avoid giving the comments the condemnation they deserve?

We’ve seen and heard remarks from people in authorities over the previous decade which have completely plumbed the depths. But the phrases attributed to Frank Hester – who additionally claimed the looks of Diane Abbott makes him ‘want to hate all Black women’ – are past disgusting. They aren’t nearly Abbott, they’re certainly about ALL Black ladies.

The conceitedness of the federal government spokesman attempting to say the remarks weren’t gender or race-based could be laughable if this wasn’t so severe. Hester makes reference to each, particularly.

Remember the feeble response to his remarks when the Tories subsequent hit out at rhetoric from protesters pissed off at seeing youngsters killed in Gaza whereas ministers sit on their palms.

Remember the silence from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (on the time of writing) when he subsequent tries to induce the general public to dial down their justified anger over the state of this nation.

This isn’t a so-called ‘racism row’ or ‘Tory chaos’. Both are phrases used to keep away from calling it what it’s. This is stone chilly racism, directed on the most abused politician in Westminster, which have to be universally condemned.

When it comes from somebody with Hester’s affect and is performed down because it has been, it legitimises others to make use of the identical type of language – and, extra chillingly, exhibit these behaviours.

Had it been aimed toward both Kemi Badenoch or Suella Braverman, regardless of my revulsion for each ladies, it could have been equally as deplorable.
It has damaged my coronary heart even prior to now to see the concern by which Abbott, a 70-year-old lady, has needed to reside even earlier than Hester’s remarks got here to gentle.

I come from her constituency, Hackney. I’ve been in her firm earlier than. She may simply be my aunt, my mom or a household good friend. That she is going to now be feeling a contemporary sense of vulnerability, whipped up by Hester’s remarks – and taking into consideration the lack of each Jo Cox and Sir David Amess – tells us all the things concerning the local weather this authorities has allowed to incubate on this nation.