Diane Abbott has been reinstated as a Labour Party member following an internal inquiry, the long-standing MP has confirmed. Ms Abbott had her membership suspended in July last year after repeating remarks about racism for which she had previously expressed regret.
Reinstatement and Formal Warning
In a post on social media, Ms Abbott said she had been "issued with a formal warning" regarding a separate tweet in which she referred to the Israel Defence Force as the "Jewish Defence Force". Expressing her apologies over the tweet, she acknowledged she had "used wording that conflates the actions of the state of Israel with the Jewish community" and was "deeply sorry for any hurt caused by that conflation". She went on to say: "I have been and remain a lifelong anti-racist and remain deeply committed to opposing racism in all its forms."
The year-long suspension marked the second occasion on which Ms Abbott had her Labour membership revoked. She had previously faced a party investigation over a letter submitted to the Observer in 2023, in which she suggested that Jewish, Irish and Traveller people experience prejudice, but not racism. The veteran MP was subsequently reinstated to the party in time to stand in her Hackney North and Stoke Newington constituency at the 2024 general election.
Joani Reid Also Welcomed Back
Fellow Labour MP Joani Reid was also welcomed back into the party on Thursday evening. She had "voluntarily" stood herself down in March this year following her husband's arrest on suspicion of acting as a spy for China. In her own statement, East Kilbride and Strathaven MP Ms Reid said she was "excited to play a full part in supporting our new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, his Government, and in renewing Scottish Labour". She added: "I have never been part of a police investigation, as a suspect or as a witness, and I am pleased that this has now been recognised. The support I have received from colleagues across the political spectrum, my constituents and my local Labour Party has been steadfast. I am also deeply grateful to everyone who has stood by me when it was politically easier to distance themselves. You know who you are – thank you."
Her voluntary suspension earlier this year followed the arrest of her husband, David Taylor, alongside two other men, who were accused of assisting a foreign intelligence service. All three men have since been released on police bail, which was extended in May until August. There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by Ms Reid.
It is understood that both readmissions followed formal Labour Party processes and were not linked to Mr Burnham becoming party leader. Both Ms Abbott and Ms Reid have also had the Labour whip reinstated after a period sitting as Independents.
