the fact diane abbott was not asked to - the only point. s not asked to speak the only point. the fact diane - abbott was not asked to speak in the comments during a debate which focused on remarks about her was picked up by many people. caroline slocock is director of civil exchange, former ceo of the equal opportunities commission, and was private secretary at number ten to margaret thatcher and john major. she was one of those who picked up a map. what did you think when you saw that? -- map. what did you think when you saw that? —— who picked up on that. i thought it was the worst example i have ever seen off with are not getting their voice heard in parliament. there is a long history which i have written about, i wrote a book about margaret thatcher which also looked at this and she herself was told she had to deepen her voice in order to be effective in parliament because, as norman tebbit put it, if a man shouts that is ok, if a woman raises her voice she squawks. in 2013 helen wollaston mp was saying that women would still being mar

diane abbott was the first female black politician. 0thers politics.emale black politician. others have risen to very, very high ranks. i am somet he really appreciates how hard it is if you're in the minority to get to top politics in any party. i celebrated appointments like rishi sunak and the diversity in this conservative government. where are those voices? this government celebrates its diversity. where are those voices saying that this is unacceptable? where is kemi badenoch? she is a prominent black cabinet minister, she is also the ministerfor women and cabinet minister, she is also the minister for women and equality. cabinet minister, she is also the ministerfor women and equality. i'm really glad kwasi kwarteng has come out and name to this. it is absolutely shameful they are not naming this truthfully and they are not giving back that money. that is tainted money from somet —— some but was made somebody that has made disgusting comments. ., ., , somebody that has made disgusting comments. ., ~y , ., ., ., ., comments. that was ayesha hazar

also diane abbott herself.rce of whipping up has long been a source of whipping up racism in the country, but also criticism of racism, she claims, in her party, saying there are shocking levels of racism and sexism in the labour party. as you touched on it isn'tjust rishi sunak who has been under pressure in recent days but also keir starmer because 11 months after diane abbott made a controversial comment, sir keir said they were anti—semitic and she later apologised, and she is still suspended from the labour party and many in labourthink suspended from the labour party and many in labour think that should change. we arejoined now by labour mp apsana begum, who has criticised frank hester�*s comments and was sat next to diane abbott during prime minister's questions today. thanks for being with us. what did you think about the fact that diane abbott was being discussed but wasn't called to speak herself? b5 wasn't called to speak herself? as ou wasn't called to speak herself? is you said, i was sitting next

i would like to see diane abbott back in the labour party group if it has to follow procedures. yesterday mr abbott asked starmer directly and he ignored her. this is what he said to journalists today . said to journalists today. >> the comments that have been made about diane abbott by the tory donor hs2 are abhorrent, they're racist, they're misogynistic. >> there is a separate issue, which is about the investigation into diane abbott herself. diane abbott has suffered an incredible amount of abuse over many, many years, and we must support her. but the two issues are separate . are separate. >> there is a gaping wound in the labour party here. other labour politicians want the mp for hackney north and stoke newington back to apsana. begum said it loud and proud on the bbc last night. >> absolutely she should have the whip restored, she is a trailblazer and jess phillips has told sky's beth rigby for it to end in this sort of sticky horror where everybody's fighting just seems a real shame. >> so i would much prefer to see diane abbott have the whip restored. remember that dian

diane abbott try to seak said anything? diane abbott try to speak more _ said anything?re than _ said anything? diane abbott try to speak more than 40 _ said anything? diane abbott try to speak more than 40 times - said anything? diane abbott try to speak more than 40 times in - said anything? diane abbott try to l speak more than 40 times in prime minister is questions, trying to get the attention of the speaker. she didn't manage to be called, the speaker said he wasn't following established procedures and precedent and didn't have time in the session. it is something that he has previously been very clear on, trying to keep to time. but that is something that he has come under criticism for from something that he has come under criticism forfrom a something that he has come under criticism for from a number of mps and diane abbott herself. she said that she wanted to use prime minister's questions to put a question to the banister about frank hester and what she described as his racist comments. she say she is not convinced about the reasons the speaker gave for not c

so, you have faced this same double standards as diane abbott? . double standards as diane abbott?out, and this is the keying thing it is— called out, and this is the keying thing. it is not being validated for what _ thing. it is not being validated for what it— thing. it is not being validated for what it is — thing. it is not being validated for what it is. that is the key. we as people _ what it is. that is the key. we as people of— what it is. that is the key. we as people of colour want people to be able to _ people of colour want people to be able to validate what is happening to us, _ able to validate what is happening to us, and — able to validate what is happening to us, and when we don't receive that validation, it is undermining the very— that validation, it is undermining the very basis of work on antiracism, and is undermining the premise _ antiracism, and is undermining the premise of— antiracism, and is undermining the premise of people in authority. the prime premise of people in authority. tie: prime minister spokesman has come out tonight and said it was racist a

diane abbott has now re orted paid back. diane abbott has now reported frank _ paid back. frank hester's - paid back. diane abbott has now reported frank hester's alleged | reported frank hester's alleged comments to the police. so, chris, mr hester has donated £10 million to the conservatives — some are suggesting they should give it back? what are the chances? the questions are cranking — what are the chances? the questions are cranking up _ what are the chances? the questions are cranking up along _ what are the chances? the questions are cranking up along those - what are the chances? the questions are cranking up along those lines - are cranking up along those lines because there are further developments and the guardian reporting this evening that frank hesterjoked at a crowded staff meeting that there was no room for the indians and suggested staff should climb on a train roof. they quote him as saying that, i make a lot ofjokes about racism, about our different creeds and cultures, but i want to assure you that that is the most abhorrent thing. in a new statement t

again, diane abbott stands up.isn't cold. >> in november, the prime minister accepted a non-cash donation to the tune of 50,000 pounds from frank hester for the use of his helicopter. will he reimburse him? yes or no? and i'm pleased the gentleman is supporting a policy that recommends one of the most diverse governments in this fundraising streak led by this country's first british asian prime minier. >> as question time ended, -- alongside many others to see diane abbott, who i reckon stood up 37 times to catch the speaker's eye without success. the speaker's office said there wasn't enough time to call her. and in case diane abbott's views were in any doubt, look at this. she was furious. >> she wanted to speak, and i was shocked as many others were that she wasn't given the opportunity to speak. >> as for the big questions at the start of the day including will the prime minister return the 10 million pound donation, the answer tonight sounds like this, no. bbc, westminster. >> that was quite emphatic. our poli

remarks alleged to have been made by one of the conservative party's biggest donors about the mp, diane abbotturing a business meeting in 2019. the guardian claims that frank hester said ms abbott made him "want to hate all black women" and that she "should be shot". this morning diane abbott has called the alleged comments "frightening". mr hester has admitted making comments about her which he described as "rude", but his spokesperson has said this is not a confirmation of the quotes in the guardian. henry zeffman has the story. some people who give millions to political parties have high public profile is. frank hester didn't. until now. this is what the guardian says mr hester told staff at the health care software company he built from scratch at a meeting back in 2019. it's like trying not to be racist, but you see diane abbott on the tv and you just want to hate all black women because she there and i don't hate all black women at all, but i think she should be shot. the bbc has not independently verified those alleged remarks. in a statement last night, mr hester�*s spokesperson said h

because i saw clips from diane abbott speaking at the...rivate conversations i've been having, off the record conversations i've been having with labour people over the past week about this, they say, yeah, no one wants to see diane abbott end her career as an independent. but i have not seen any evidence from diane abbott's public comments and quite to the contrary, that she thinks her career is ending. also, jeremy corbyn showed up on the steps of hackney town hall to speak. indeed, old comrades. old comrades. and sort of almost neighbours in that part of london. yeah. look, we won't go. are we are going to go? i was just going to say one thing because i've had a couple of communications from our wonderful viewers and listeners saying, well, why haven't you spoken to diane abbott? basically, she was denied her voice in the commons this week. she shouldn't be denied her voice here when people are discussing her. we would love to speak to diane abbott and we have invited herfor interviews. and it'sjust important, i think, to say that we are

harriet, your colleague diane abbott who like he was an - us. ~ . ., labour also has a problem with racism. ~ . . a, ~ labour also has a problem with racism. . . ,, . , racism. what i heard mark harper sa , no, racism. what i heard mark harper say. no. we _ racism. what i heard mark harper say. no. we have _ racism. what i heard mark harper say, no, we have not— racism. what i heard mark harper say, no, we have not got - racism. what i heard mark harper say, no, we have not got a - racism. what i heard mark harper. say, no, we have not got a problem, it indicates— say, no, we have not got a problem, it indicates you — say, no, we have not got a problem, it indicates you have. _ say, no, we have not got a problem, it indicates you have. you _ say, no, we have not got a problem, it indicates you have. you have - say, no, we have not got a problem, it indicates you have. you have to i it indicates you have. you have to recognise — it indicates you have. you have to recognise even— it indicates you have. you have to recognise even though _ it indica

diane abbott is a political pioneer. elected nearly a0 years ago, she was the first black woman mp. whatever else happens after this, i think nobody can take this moment away from the black community. what away from the black community. what did ha en away from the black community. what did happen after _ away from the black community. what did happen after that is she rose to bejeremy did happen after that is she rose to be jeremy corbyn�*s did happen after that is she rose to bejeremy corbyn�*s shadow home secretary after being subjected to year after year of abuse, which multiplied in the era of social media. now the guardian reports that frank hester, a multimillionaire donor to the conservative party, said this in 2019. the bbc has not independently verified that frank hester, seen here on the right with david cameron in 2016, said this. but he is not denying it. frank hester... a statement claimed. rubbish, said cabinet minister kemi badenoch. the comments as reported were racist, she said, adding that there should

minister rishi sunak says comments allegedly made by major conservative donor frank hester about mp diane abbottcist and wrong, but he was rightfully apologizing for the defense caused. the guardian claims hester said ms. abbott made him want to hate all black women and she should be shot. he insisted his comment had nothing to do with her gender or skin color. ms. abbott has reported frank hester to the parliamentary liaison and investigations team that was set up after the murder she said the remarks allegedly6. made about her were worrying and frightening. our political editor chris mason has the story. but ry abbott is a political pioneer, first elected nearly 40 years ago, the first black woman mp. >> whatever else happens after this i think that nobody can take the moment away. >> after that she rose to be jeremy corbyn's shadow home secretary after being subjected to year after year of abuse that multiplied in the era of social media. now, the guardian reports frank hester, a multimillionaire donor the conservative party said this in 2019 "it is like trying not to be racist, but you see d

diane abbott is a political pioneer.ed nearly a0 years ago, she was the first black woman mp. whatever else happens after this, i think nobody can take this moment away from the black community. what did happen after that is she rose to bejeremy corbyn�*s shadow home secretary after being subjected to year after year of abuse, which multiplied in the era of social media. now, the guardian reports that frank hester, a multimillionaire donor to the conservative party, said this in 2019... the bbc has not independently verified that mr hester, seen here on the right with david cameron in 2016, said this, but he is not denying it. ..a statement claimed. "rubbish," said this cabinet minister, kemi badenoch. the comments as reported were racist, she said, adding that there should be forgiveness where there is contrition. a cabinet colleague had a rather different take. the critical point here is i don't think what he was saying was a gender—based or race—based comment, but it was clearly inappropriate, he has apologised and i

diane abbott says she fears for her - that's right. 14 years ago. e when it comes to this political environment or has progress been made, when you look at the diversity of the cabinet? i really admire diane abbott. i think she should be really celebrated. she's— she should be really celebrated. she's a — she should be really celebrated. she's a very courageous woman. we disagree — she's a very courageous woman. we disagree on _ she's a very courageous woman. we disagree on the politics but she is a phenomenal woman, that's the first thin- a phenomenal woman, that's the first thing we _ a phenomenal woman, that's the first thing we have to point out. the climate — thing we have to point out. the climate hasn't changed. in a sense we are _ climate hasn't changed. in a sense we are still— climate hasn't changed. in a sense we are still having this debate about— we are still having this debate about colour, where does it fit in, what _ about colour, where does it fit in, what is _ about colour, where does it fit in, what is the — about colour, where doe

downing street has reacted to comments made about mp diane abbott.ant to hate all black women and she should be shot. today she has called the comments frightening. frank hester said comments were "rude. there have been calls for the £10 million he donated to the conservative party to be sent back to him. some people who give millions to push the parties have high public profiles. this is what the guardian says mr hester told staff at the software company built from scratch at a meeting back in 2019. the bbc has not independently verify those alleged remarks. in a statement last night, a spokesman said... the spokesperson said this should not be taken as an admission that mr hester use the exact words quoted in the guardian. labour have given the defence short shrift. sadly i think they were unambiguously racist and sexist, clearly beyond the pale. this is notjust about rudeness, it is totally unacceptable remarks and i think anyone who reads them would come to that conclusion. labour have been joined by the liberal democrats in calling for the conse

again diane abbott stands up. again she isn't called. prime minister accepted a non—cash donation to the tune of £15,000 from frank hester for the use of his helicopter, so will he reimburse him, yes or no? no, mr speaker, and i'm pleased |that the gentleman is supporting| a party that represents one - of the most diverse governments in this country's history, | led by this country's first british—asian prime minister. as question time ended, look at keir starmer, heading alongside many others to see diane abbott, who i reckon had stood up 37 times to catch the speaker's eye without success. the speaker's office said there wasn't enough time to call her. and in case diane abbott's views were in any doubt, look at this. she was furious. she wanted to speak, and i was shocked, as i think many others were, that she wasn't given an opportunity to speak. as for those big questions at the start of the day, including will the prime minister return the £10 million donation, the answer tonight sounds like this — no. chris mason, bbc news, westmin

he didn't say he hated diane abbott because she's black. >> no, i didn't say that. he did . abbott has said comments are said these comments are frightening. yes, i mean terrifying. >> yeah. quite right . and >> yeah. no. quite right. and two mps have been killed in recent , anyone who does recent years, anyone who does get some of the worst trolling, she does anyone who talks about mps being shot really should step back. >> out of politics, go get >> step out of politics, go get a life. >> t- t— a life. >> anyway, let's get the >> well, anyway, let's get the headunes. headlines. >> tom. emily, thanks very much. good afternoon from the newsroom. it'sjust good afternoon from the newsroom. it's just gone 2:00, and we start with a recap of the news that lee anderson has in the last half hour, made his first in the commons first appearance in the commons since to reform uk, since defecting to reform uk, sitting on the opposition benches next to george galloway. if you're watching on tv, you should be able to see here just about make out in the top right hand corner of your screen

diane abbott accuses the tories and labour of shocking racism. arties were slow to call out vile abuse directed at her as rishi sunak says, racist donor has shown remorse, said the tories won't return his £10 million. so there we go. that's the first loss of your front pages for you anyway. i am joined, of course, by the editor at large of the mail on sunday. charlotte griffiths, businessman and activist adam brooks, author brooks, and author and journalist rebecca reid. now harry have tonight's harry and meghan have tonight's emphatic denied criticising the princess of wales in the us press over her photoshop attempts , insisting, quote, attempts, insisting, quote, attacking kate middleton that were attributed to a source from the sussex camp did not in fact come from them . the mystery come from them. the mystery source told page six magazine if harry and meghan had ever encountered the same issue, they would been annihilated. would have been annihilated. this a mistake meghan this isn't a mistake meghan would made. comes would ever have made. i

about diane abbott.weyman bennett from stand up now is weyman bennett from stand up to racism, a charity that diane abbott is involved with, weyman, first of all, i suppose the biggest question here is what rishi sunak was trying to say, which was the donor has apologised. we need to sometimes be able to move on and forgive people when they have done wrong. is it possible to forgive someone if they've said something racist in the past? >> but it's possible if they actually show any form of forgiveness. but what we've had is subterfuge and cover up, you know, to the to her credit, badenoch from the conservative party said it was an open racist, statement, i don't believe that racist should get the chance to self define if they're not racist , it's not up they're not racist, it's not up to them to decide after they've made their racist statement whether it's acceptable for the for the rest of people to accept that large amounts of the black community and many communities in this country are appalled by the

as diane abbott said herself, this language is is frightening. it's dehumanizing.uage which you might expect from the thug or the lout on the street, the sort of national front, far right sort of thug. but this is somebody who is at the top of the conservative party, their biggest donor. he has the ear of the prime minister. someone'sjust looked up the register of interest. a company owned by hester richardson just registered almost £16,000 for a helicopter ride. so this is somebody who is at the upper echelons of the ruling party of this country making comments like that. it is frightening and it's racist and it's disgusting. we saw kwasi kwarteng in that piece just now call it exactly that racist. we also heard earlier in the day from gavin barwell, who used to be chief of staff to theresa may, and i'm going to put his his post on social media onto the screen, because he said this is racism and sexism at one point. he doesn't like diane. and based on that, he's inclined to dislike other black women. what do you make, though, of a catalogue of other mp5 and minist

questions was about diane abbott , it seems particularly sad that diane abbott didn't have a chancer when the whole debate was about her. >> but there is one thing that you can do as backbench mp, you can do as a backbench mp, and that is raise a point of order, which the speaker would unquestionably taken at unquestionably have taken at the end pmqs when prime end of pmqs when the prime minister there. end of pmqs when the prime mirifter there. end of pmqs when the prime mirif the there. end of pmqs when the prime mirif the prime there. end of pmqs when the prime mirif the prime minister is >> if the prime minister is still there. >> but if you're fleet of foot, the prime minister is still there, and the speaker would have been perfectly to have been perfectly happy to take a of order. that's take a point of order. that's the thing with house commons the thing with house of commons procedures , there's procedures, there's always a way. but the backbencher has to be to use the way to get be willing to use the way to get his or her point across. >> think the prime minister >> i think

again, diane abbott stands up. again, she isn't called.er accepted a non—cash donation to the tune of £15,000 from frank hester for the use of his helicopter, so will he reimburse him, yes or no? no, mr speaker, and i'm pleased that the gentleman is supporting a party that represents one of the most diverse governments in the history of this country, led by the first british asian prime minister in this country. as question time ended, look at keir starmer, heading, alongside many others, to see diane abbott, who i reckon had stood up 37 times to catch the speaker's eye, without success. the office of the speaker said there wasn't enough time to call her. so tonight, she wrote an article for the independent instead. she said frank hester�*s alleged words were... she claimed the conservative party was a source of whipping up racism — an allegation they vehemently deny. she also criticised labour, claiming its leadership response to all this was disappointing, and said in the recent past that there had been shocking levels of racism and sexi

again, diane abbott stands up. again, she isn't called.to the tune of £15,000 from frank hester for the use of his helicopter, so will he reimburse him, yes or no? no, mr speaker, and i'm pleased that the gentleman is supporting a party that represents one of the most diverse governments in the history of this country, led by the first british asian prime minister in this country. as question time ended, look at keir starmer, heading, alongside many others, to see diane abbott, who i reckon had stood up 37 times to catch the speaker's eye, without success. the office of the speaker said there wasn't enough time to call her. so tonight, she wrote an article for the independent instead. she said frank hester�*s alleged words were... she claimed the conservative party was a source of whipping up racism — an allegation they vehemently deny. she also criticised labour, claiming its leadership response to all this was disappointing, and said in the recent past that there had been shocking levels of racism and sexism from within the labour party

the epic diane abbott. tory donon the epic diane abbott. tory donor. race row. next . donor. race row. next. >> it's 9:00. i'm sophia wenzler your top story this hour. downing street has said comments allegedly made by a tory donor about mp diane abbott were racist and wrong. it comes as the police are understood to have been contacted over frank hester's alleged remarks . the hester's alleged remarks. the conservative party's biggest donor reportedly said miss abbott made him want to hate all black women, and she should be shot. mr hester has now apologised and says he abhors racism. miss abbott, who's now an independent mp, described the comments as frightening and worrying. meanwhile, shadow paymaster general jonathan ashworth says it's staggering that rishi sunak has taken so long to recognise mr hester's comments as racist . comments as racist. >> they're absolutely reprehensible comments . reprehensible comments. >> rishi sunak should now apologise to diane abbott and the £10 million the tory party have taken from this individual . have taken from this individual. rishi

you don't police. don't call the police. >> with diane abbott. >> everybody with diane abbott. >> everybody there was >> there was i mean, there was a sort of, a overtone. he sort of, a violent overtone. he said shooting , said something about shooting, shooting her somebody. >> sure. but that's not to say he wasn't saying he's going to do it. no, i mean, it wasn't obviously a serious thing if i call the police, every time i was brutally my mum was brutally insulted, my mum would prison. would be in prison. >> all i'm saying. >> that's all i'm saying. >> that's all i'm saying. >> a non—crime crime >> recording a non—crime crime hate saying, hate incident is like saying, i'm write down that you i'm going to write down that you weren't very nice to diane. >> exactly. that's what it is. yeah, that's what it is. it's not. we're we're literally making a sort legislative making a sort of legislative criminal record on somebody's name and jk rowling's name. it could affect her if she wants to go and move to america or something, this could affect her. being done her. yeah. and it's being done basi

you thoughts should be with the most is diane abbott-— diane abbott.nts. _ diane abbott. you made two interesting points. there - diane abbott. you made two interesting points. there are diane abbott. you made two - interesting points. there are two things, one, what was said, and then the handling of it. you mentioned you spoke to diane abbott yesterday, in terms of what was said, can you share with us what her reaction has been, to the tone of what has been said and her own situation in terms of her personal safety?— said and her own situation in terms of her personal safety? well, she is somebody who _ of her personal safety? well, she is somebody who has _ of her personal safety? well, she is somebody who has had _ of her personal safety? well, she is somebody who has had to _ of her personal safety? well, she is somebody who has had to live - of her personal safety? well, she is| somebody who has had to live under the shadow ofjust horrendous amounts of abuse and hatred. but i think this takes it to a new level because i think she has been used to

also, harriet hammond today is basically said it's time for diane abbott to be let back diane abbottnow to be let back into the labour party, is it or not? and of course, we now know that kids will no longer be getting puberty blockers on the nhs. is that the right decision? and speaking of puberty, get this wales today on this a school in wales today on the advice of external agencies, held a puberty yes, held a puberty party. yes, indeed. to celebrate kids indeed. to celebrate the kids journey childhood journey from childhood to adulthood. years old. adulthood. they're 12 years old. is good idea or bonkers . is this a good idea or bonkers. your thoughts please. also, should foreign governments be able to own british media? the government of today said not. do you agree with that? and last but not least, migrants now will be to £3,000 go to be given up to £3,000 to go to rwanda. mean, i'm starting to rwanda. i mean, i'm starting to laugh it literally laugh now because it literally is a joke. all this is just beyond a joke. all this now, isn't it? your thoughts on it please. indeed.

the epic diane abbott. tory donon the epic diane abbott. tory donor. race row. next .

diane abbott, a long—standing mp, first black woman mp elected in 1987.ged by the guardian, he has issued a statement through his company where he says he accepts he was rude about diane abbott in a private meeting several years ago, but he also says his criticism had nothing to do with her gender, nor her colour of skin. interesting that is similar to her colour of skin. interesting that is similarto an her colour of skin. interesting that is similar to an argument made by mel stride, the work and pensions secretary when he was asked the commons today. it’s secretary when he was asked the commons today.— secretary when he was asked the commons today. it's clear that what he said was — commons today. it's clear that what he said was inappropriate. - commons today. it's clear that what he said was inappropriate. he - commons today. it's clear that what he said was inappropriate. he has, i he said was inappropriate. he has, as i understand, apologise for those remarks _ as i understand, apologise for those remarks i_ as i understand, apologise for those rem

diane abbott was the first black - independent corroboration. nd has faced years of abuse. mr hester has tried to call her to apologise. she says she has been left frightened. alarming. an obe, chats with prime ministers, even a brief meeting with elon musk. now frank hester is at the centre of a political row which shows no signs of abating. now, just before we head off for the business news, if you�*re not familiar with what a river seven more looks like, this is it. it is a natural phenomenon that causes a series of waves powerful enough to ride, as you can see. watch out, canoeists, it is the result of a rising tide from the atlantic ocean and draws surfers from all across the world. hello there. good afternoon. well, it�*s been another wet start to the day with a band of heavy rain moving eastwards, particularly across england and wales. sodden ground here in herefordshire, although the rain is largely eased here. lots of low cloud, still some rather misty, murky conditions for the rest of this week. you�*ll notice that it is turning milder

diane abbott. # ~ _ dianeabbott. the american singer—songwriter, eric carmen. known for the hit single �*all by myself�* has died at the age of 7a. for the first time since itjoined nato, the swedish flag has been raised at nato headquarters. they've been taking part in the largest military exercise since the cold war, amidst warnings of a new threat to europe from russia following its full scale invasion from damning of ukraine. jonathan beale reports from the arctic circle. nato says it's a bulwark for peace. but it's preparing for war. this, just part of its massive military exercise taking place right across europe. and with newest members sweden and finland in no doubt as to why theyjoined. being alone against russia is like, why take that risk when you canjoin nato? i personally feel a lot safer because now we have allies to depend on. in this scenario, they've come to defend northern norway after it's been invaded. they're not calling the enemy russia, but it is a near neighbour. the aim of this exercise is to

, you view, disgusting comments about her, diane abbott , you know, a her, diane abbott, you know, aer side of the house. >> you can't defend it. >> you can't defend it. >> she might be defensive. >> she might be defensive. >> she might be defensive. >> she might. she might be a politician who, you know, has questionable abilities, but there's call for that. nina, there's no call for that. nina, what think? what do you think? >> well, think tainted >> well, i think it's tainted money. of course it should. money. and of course it should. should back. it's outrageous money. and of course it should. shotthey back. it's outrageous money. and of course it should. shotthey they k. it's outrageous money. and of course it should. shotthey they they; outrageous money. and of course it should. shotthey they they aren't geous that they they they aren't giving back immediately. and giving it back immediately. and as 5 million seems as this extra 5 million seems just ridiculous. >> well, they shouldn't accept that. i totally agree. >> but then if they if they don't accept the 5 million, then they

but you see diane abbott on the tv," frank hester is reported to have said in 2019, "and you just want all black women because she's there, and i don't hate all black women at all, but i think she should be shot." mr hester has apologised and said that he abhors racism. in a statement he said that he accepts that he made comments that were rude about diane abbott, but said his criticism had nothing to do with her gender, nor the colour of her skin. the prime minister has suggested that he accepts that apology, but today he's likely to face questions about what will happen to the money frank hester donated. labour are calling for it to be given back. they're absolutely reprehensible comments. rishi sunak should now apologise to diane abbott, and the £10 million the tory party have taken from this individual, rishi sunak should order that money to be paid back. last night a leading member of one conservative pressure group suggested it could be used to promote ethnic minority groups. i would hope that actually hq would use that money to invest in grassroots. there are so many bame activi

seen diane abbott on — chancellor, you have seen diane abbott on the _ chancellor, you have seen dianed you just i chancellor, you have seen diane i abbott on the tv and you just want to hate _ abbott on the tv and you just want to hate all— abbott on the tv and you just want to hate all black _ abbott on the tv and you just want to hate all black women _ abbott on the tv and you just want to hate all black women because i abbott on the tv and you just want i to hate all black women because she is there _ to hate all black women because she is there i_ to hate all black women because she is there. ithink— to hate all black women because she is there. i think she _ to hate all black women because she is there. i think she should _ to hate all black women because she is there. i think she should be - is there. i think she should be shot — is there. i think she should be shot mr— is there. i think she should be shot. mr frank— is there. i think she should be shot. mr frank hester. - is there. i think she should be shot. mr frank hester. was . is there. i think she should be i shot. mr fra

diane abbott described _ that engagement. -- cchq.comments is frightening and reported them to the police unit task with investigation alleged crimes against mps. buffer rishi sunak, the prime minister who stood in downing street and want against racism and extremism politics, questions remain about the language used by some of those who support him. hannah miller, bbc news. around the world and across the uk, this is bbc news. let's look at some other stories making news. two people have been released on bail after police removed 35 bodies and a quantity of ashes from a funeral parlour in hull. detectives say they're investigating a truly horrific incident, and families are understandably distraught and heartbroken. officers say they've received more than a thousand calls from concerned members of the public. the first minister of wales, mark drakeford, will give evidence to the covid inquiry later today. he's expected to be questioned over whether he was slow to react to the spread of the virus, and how tensions grew between his gov

again diane abbott stands up and again she is not called. ., , not called.er accepted _ not called. in november the prime minister accepted a _ not called. in november the prime minister accepted a non-cash - minister accepted a non—cash donation _ minister accepted a non—cash donation to the tune of £15,000 from frank— donation to the tune of £15,000 from frank hester for the use of his helicopter— frank hester for the use of his helicopter so when he reimburse him, yes or— helicopter so when he reimburse him, yes or no? _ helicopter so when he reimburse him, es or no? ., ~ ,,, ., ~ ., helicopter so when he reimburse him, esorno? ., ~ ., �* yes or no? no, mr speaker and i'm leased yes or no? no, mr speaker and i'm pleased that _ yes or no? no, mr speaker and i'm pleased that the _ yes or no? no, mr speaker and i'm pleased that the gentleman - yes or no? no, mr speaker and i'm pleased that the gentleman is - pleased that the gentleman is supporting a party that represents one of the most diverse governments in the history of this country led by the first bri

, you view, disgusting comments about her, diane abbott , you know, a her, diane abbott, you know, aer side of the house. >> you can't defend it. >> you can't defend it. >> she might be defensive. >> she might be defensive. >> she might be defensive. >> she might. she might be a politician who, you know, has questionable abilities, but there's call for that. nina, there's no call for that. nina, what think? what do you think? >> well, think tainted >> well, i think it's tainted money. of course it should. money. and of course it should. should back. it's outrageous money. and of course it should. shotthey back. it's outrageous money. and of course it should. shotthey they k. it's outrageous money. and of course it should. shotthey they they; outrageous money. and of course it should. shotthey they they aren't geous that they they they aren't giving back immediately. and giving it back immediately. and as 5 million seems as this extra 5 million seems just ridiculous. >> well, they shouldn't accept that. i totally agree. >> but then if they if they don't accept the 5 million, then they

cat neilan, diane abbott, when it came _ speak. cat neilan, diane abbott, when it came to _ speak.bott, when it came to the _ speak. cat neilan, diane abbott, when it came to the alleged - when it came to the alleged comments, said they were frightening, she said she already felt vulnerable. there has been heightened concern when it comes to the safety of members of parliament. absolutely and on that it is worth reflecting on what the comments were. frank hester is alleged to have said in a business meeting, and he hasn't denied he said these comments, that diane abbott, who is the uk's longest serving black female mp, makes you want to hate all black women and that she should be shot. these comments were supposed to have taken place, have been made, in 2019, that's three years after the murder of a labour mpjo cox, and a couple of years before the murder of a conservative mp david amess. so i think there are a lot of mps on both sides of the house who are very, very conscious about the rising security threat and i think that's one of the reasons why conservatives are not terribly

as i say, lots of people here want to show their support for diane abbott. of nature, and the british wildlife photography awards. this is the winning entry — a floating football, which has been covered by goose barnacles. it was pictured after it washed up on a beach in dorset. a coot running across a lake at sunrise was the winner of the young photographer section. this image of a common starling took the prize for best animal portrait. it was caught using a mix of flash and natural light, mid—flight. and this picture shows a close—up of slime mould magnified many times. slime moulds are neither plants nor fungi, and each of the ball—like heads on the stems is approximately one millimetre wide in real life. and this snap took the award for animal behaviour, with three frogs squeezing together in a pond in springtime. earlier i spoke to the photographer who took the winning picture. 50 in who took the winning picture. so in the winter storms _ who took the winning picture. so in the winter storms down _ who took the winning picture. sr “i the winter storms

after the diane abbott controversy . the diane abbott controversy.apers with norman baker and doctor renee hoenderkamp, with this. very good to see both of you, norman, what is there to say? my main concern about the. well, there's so many concerns, but, what takes sunak so long to issue a. hey, this is wrong, mr sponsor, shut your mouth or eat your words or whatever . and then he words or whatever. and then he says it through a spokesperson. that's what gets me. if you're going to say it, why don't you just say i said that ? just say i said that? >> i think, like many issues, he's worried about upsetting his right wing. that's what it's about. so he wants be very about. so he wants to be very careful. he want in careful. he doesn't want he's in a position. he's a very vulnerable position. he's in position as a prime in a weak position as a prime minister he's warring party minister he's got warring party and to upset any and he doesn't want to upset any wing of it. >> kemi badenoch wasn't afraid to the wing. to upset the wing. >> she wasn't, and goo

about an hour's time — you told our producer that diane abbott is "the pincushion of politics."clusion.— that conclusion. so that was something _ that conclusion. so that was something that _ that conclusion. so that was something that i _ that conclusion. so that was something that i had - that conclusion. so that was something that i had to i that conclusion. so that was something that i had to eat | that conclusion. so that was l something that i had to eat it online, and actually it came from the deputy leader of the women's equality —— tweeted online. she said diane abbott is the pincushion of politics because she seems to get the most hate and backlash, and it just doesn't stop, its the most hate and backlash, and it just doesn't stop, it's become normalised for her to be treated in such a way. so if anyone has anything they want to take out, they take it out on her. and i think it's a sad indictment that the first asian prime minister refused to give that money back after a man called for the first female mp to be shot dust first black female mp to be shot. i think it's a

diane abbott is a long—standing mp in the first black woman mp elected in 1987.the guardian, he has issued a statement through his company where he says he accepts he was rude about diane abbott in a private meeting several years ago but he also says his criticism had nothing to do with her gender, nor her colour of skin. interestingly, that's similar to an argument made by mel stride the work and pensions secretary when he was asked today. it's clear that what he said was inappropriate and he has apologised for his— inappropriate and he has apologised for his remarks. i think the critical— for his remarks. i think the critical point here is i don't think what _ critical point here is i don't think what he — critical point here is i don't think what he was saying was a gender—based race days to comment but it— gender—based race days to comment but it was— gender—based race days to comment but it was clearly inappropriate. he has apologised and i think we need to move _ has apologised and i think we need to move on — has apologised and i think we need to move on f

should diane abbott be allowed back into the labour party?vestigated for her letter. ~ �* ., ., , letter. we've got a independent complaints _ letter. we've got a independent complaints procedure _ letter. we've got a independent complaints procedure and - letter. we've got a independent complaints procedure and i - letter. we've got a independent | complaints procedure and i don't want to second—guess them. i support keir starmer�*s drive against anti—semitism, but i would be sad if diane abbott leaves, ends her political career, and she's been an amazing trailblazer. charles spencer's speech at his sister princess diana's funeral is seared into the collective memory, venting his fury at how his sister had been hounded by the paparazzi. but, more than 25 years later, he's now revealing the secrets of his early life. he's written a book about violent and sexual abuse at the boarding school he was sent to when he was just eight years old. and how he and diana were hurt by one of their nannies, nanny forster, as children. laura kuenssberg went