diane abbott _ party if they don't want diane...iane... diane abbott they're addressingj diane abbott they're addressing about 200 supporters here at hackney town hall about the situation, i say the situation because as we have heard her say in this crowd, she says she has been barred from standing for the labour party at the general election in this area. the party, sir keir starmer, the labour leader has said that that is not the case in the final decision has actually been made yet so a lot of confusion and it seems to me plausible of the process is still playing albert miss abbott is saying that she is absolutely certain she is not being allowed to stand by the labour party and it is proving to be, as you can see from the crowd here, a big row, iwas chatting be, as you can see from the crowd here, a big row, i was chatting to people in the labour party today, notjust people on the left and not just diane abbot's natural allies, but also some towards the centre and people who naturally support keir starmer and there is a lot of f

over this diane abbott latest news.— starmer a liar. over this diane abbott latest news. is he? no, i think there's been a process i abbott latest news. is he? no, i l think there's been a process which has been gone through here regarding diane and what she wrote in that letter last year. and i think what she wrote in the letter was wrong and they was right to be an investigation into it. i think i'm glad that the process has now come to a conclusion and she has got the whip back because no one wants to be in the situation. keir whip back because no one wants to be in the situation.— in the situation. keir starmer told the bbc on _ in the situation. keir starmer told the bbc on friday _ in the situation. keir starmer told the bbc on friday diane _ in the situation. keir starmer told the bbc on friday diane abbott i in the situation. keir starmer told the bbc on friday diane abbott is| the bbc on friday diane abbott is going through and being part of and getting to the end of a disciplinary process. that process has been in the hands of the chief whip since february or march. wh

diane abbott was suspended from - to excluded from parliament. suspended from the to excluded from parliament. d —."i;e: abbott was suspended from the labour party after seeing jewish irish and traveler people do not face racism all their lives. she apologized and was readmitted to the parliamentary party near the end of the day the deputy leader telling sky news that diane abbott should be able to stand again for the party. ii diane abbott should be able to stand again forthe party-— again for the party. if she wants to sta , she again for the party. if she wants to stay, she should _ again for the party. if she wants to stay, she should be _ again for the party. if she wants to stay, she should be able _ again for the party. if she wants to stay, she should be able to - again for the party. if she wants to stay, she should be able to stay. l stay, she should be able to stay. the first — stay, she should be able to stay. the first black _ stay, she should be able to stay. the first black female _ stay, she should be able to stay. the first black

says that diane abbott should be l says that diane abbott should be allowed — says that diane abbottabbott should be allowed to stand _ says that diane abbott should be allowed to stand if _ says that diane abbott should be allowed to stand if she _ says that diane abbott should be allowed to stand if she wants - says that diane abbott should be allowed to stand if she wants to. i allowed to stand if she wants to. anas— allowed to stand if she wants to. anas sarwar— allowed to stand if she wants to. anas sarwar standing _ allowed to stand if she wants to. anas sarwar standing beside - allowed to stand if she wants to. anas sarwar standing beside you allowed to stand if she wants to. - anas sarwar standing beside you says he agrees _ anas sarwar standing beside you says he agrees with — anas sarwar standing beside you says he agrees with angela _ anas sarwar standing beside you says he agrees with angela rayner. - anas sarwar standing beside you says he agrees with angela rayner. do - anas sarwar standing beside you says| he agrees with angela rayner. do you agree _ he agrees with ang

diane abbott — made out of matchsticks. diane abbott is — made out of matchsticks.ld anyone she was intending to retire for— told anyone she was intending to retire for the because nothing format— retire for the because nothing formal had happened. but there was one of— formal had happened. but there was one of her— formal had happened. but there was one of her allies who were the leadership, trying to construct this golden— leadership, trying to construct this golden bridge. it was built on a pretty— golden bridge. it was built on a pretty flimsy framework.- golden bridge. it was built on a pretty flimsy framework. alex, the recent nick— pretty flimsy framework. alex, the recent nick is _ pretty flimsy framework. alex, the recent nick is talking _ pretty flimsy framework. alex, the recent nick is talking about - pretty flimsy framework. alex, the recent nick is talking about the i pretty flimsy framework. alex, the | recent nick is talking about the nec being involved is because we're in the period where the central parties or labour parties case, they can impose o

is diane abbott going to be a candidate in this election or not?event in worcester and this is where and how he said that. no decision has been taken to bar diane abbott. - the process that we were going. through ended with the restoration of the whip the other day. so, she's a member of- the parliamentary labour party and no decision has. been taken barring her. 0k, nikc, what's your theory about what's gone on? well, what's so magnificent about this is diane abbott this morning saying that "i've been barred" and keir starmer saying diane abbott has not been barred is that they're both right. and the reason why they're both right is that keir starmer is right, that the national executive committee of the labour party, which at this stage vets and decides on candidates, has not considered diane abbott's case because she hasn't applied to be a candidate. were she to apply, every single ally of keir starmer i have spoken to have told me that she would not be allowed to be a candidate. and the whole point of what had been going on in the last few week

it's all about diane abbott. april 2023 amid a racism and anti—semitism scandal, talking about jewish people, the irish and travellers , she said they undoubtedly experienced prejudice . this is experienced prejudice. this is similar to racism and the two words are often used as if they were interchangeable. it is true that many types of white people with points of difference, such as redheads, can experience this prejudice, but they are not all their lives subject to racism . their lives subject to racism. she lost the labour whip, they launched an investigation and the line from labour was that we'd have to wait and see what the result of that was, before they made a decision about diane i >> -- >> there seems to be room for natalie elphicke down in dover , natalie elphicke down in dover, but not diane abbott up here in london. can you welcome diane abbott back to your happy fold? >> well, look, diane is , going >> well, look, diane is, going through a process. >> nick, as you know , in >> nick, as you know, in

— since 1935, but they say diane abbott is _ since 1935, but they say diane abbott is notjeremy corbynthere for 37 years, completely different, and you _ for 37 years, completely different, and you are — for 37 years, completely different, and you are getting this wrong, they are saying — and you are getting this wrong, they are saying. some on the left are now saying _ are saying. some on the left are now saying that _ are saying. some on the left are now saying that they believe that they are being put back into what is called — are being put back into what is called the _ are being put back into what is called the sealed two, that is the phrase _ called the sealed two, that is the phrase that peter mandelson came out with in— phrase that peter mandelson came out with in the _ phrase that peter mandelson came out with in the late 1990s when he said that the _ with in the late 1990s when he said that the labour left need to be in a seated _ that the labour left need to be in a seated two — that the labour left need to be in a sealed two and new labour have some sacks _ sealed two and

diane abbott.a big moment- diane abbott. no question this defection is a big moment in. diane abbott. no question this . defection is a big moment in this campaign — defection is a big moment in this campaign. before _ defection is a big moment in this campaign. before it— defection is a big moment in this campaign. before it happened, l defection is a big moment in this i campaign. before it happened, they were a _ campaign. before it happened, they were a bit— campaign. before it happened, they were a bit coy— campaign. before it happened, they were a bit coy about _ campaign. before it happened, they were a bit coy about more _ campaign. before it happened, they were a bit coy about more people i campaign. before it happened, they. were a bit coy about more people who would _ were a bit coy about more people who would be _ were a bit coy about more people who would be actually _ were a bit coy about more people who would be actually coming _ were a bit coy about more people who would be actually

she was mp diane abbott.he was suspended over allegations of anti—semitism and there were violent clashes between pro—palestinian demonstrators and police on whitehall last night. >> dozens were arrested and three officers injured . three officers injured. >> now it's a huge day of news today and we're very keen for your views on all of these stories, perhaps most particularly the breaking news in the last few minutes that there'll be a strike in the week leading up to the general election. how very convenient. >> it is rather convenient. and this all comes on the day that the labour party are pushing the narrative that they are the ones to save the nhs. so go figure. is this about politics rather than the benefit of junior doctors necessarily? what do you think ? think? >> and yet they'll be hoping that some people think that well, if, if, if the unions hate the tories and they're the funders of the labour party, they're in with labour, well, maybe there'll be fewer strikes under labour. >> i guess the quest

now on the diane abbott debacle . now on the diane abbott debacle. said that she had been banned from standing as a labour candidate in july's election. but check out what sir keir starmer said when he was asked if miss abbott was indeed barred. >> no, that's not true. no decision has been taken to bar diane abbott . the process that diane abbott. the process that we were going through ended with the restoration of the whip. the other day. so she's a member of the parliamentary labour party and no decision has been taken barring her. >> well, let's go back now to our political editor, chris hope, on that battle. just to get his reaction on this. chris, sir keir starmer must be pulling his hair out today was meant to be about nhs reform , a central be about nhs reform, a central fighting ground for the labour party, where they hope to make big gains. and yet here we are once again , reacting to the once again, reacting to the labour hard left . labour hard left. >> yes, it is somewhat confusing. this picture. don't forget diane abbott wrote a letter t

diane abbott was elected in 1987, the this. diane abbott was elected in 1987. the first — this.his. diane abbott was elected in i 1987, the first black woman and be. she's— 1987, the first black woman and be. she's been— 1987, the first black woman and be. she's been a — 1987, the first black woman and be. she's been a trailblazer, _ 1987, the first black woman and be. she's been a trailblazer, she's- she's been a trailblazer, she's carved — she's been a trailblazer, she's carved a — she's been a trailblazer, she's carved a path— she's been a trailblazer, she's carved a path for— she's been a trailblazer, she's carved a path for other - she's been a trailblazer, she's carved a path for other people she's been a trailblazer, she's. carved a path for other people to come _ carved a path for other people to come into— carved a path for other people to come into politics _ carved a path for other people to come into politics and _ carved a path for other people to come into politics and public- carved a path for other people to| come into politics and public life. the whip — come in

diane abbott was i from parliament. diane abbott was suspended from _ from parliament.the parliamentary| suspended from the parliamentary labour party after saying jewish, irish and travel people do not face racism all their lives. she apologised and was readmitted to the parliamentary party the other day. enter next labour's deputy leader telling sky news diane abbott should be able to stand again for the party. if be able to stand again for the -a . y ., be able to stand again for the -a . , ., ., be able to stand again for the party. if you want to say she should be able to stay. _ party. if you want to say she should be able to stay. diane _ party. if you want to say she should be able to stay. diane abbott - party. if you want to say she should be able to stay. diane abbott has . be able to stay. diane abbott has been a trailblazer, 37 years, the first black female mp in parliament. she has shown people like me that you can be yourself. keir she has shown people like me that you can be yourself.— you can be yourself. keir starmer, thou~h, you can be yourself. keir

i am a huge admirer of diane abbott as i said. | admirer of diane abbott as i said.he policy that labour - independent channels. let's talk| about the policy that labour does want to talk about, putting 30,000 more neighbourhood police and pcsos on the beat, how would they be paid for? irate on the beat, how would they be paid for? ~ ., on the beat, how would they be paid for? ~ . ., ., , on the beat, how would they be paid for? . . ., ., , ., for? we have already made announcements _ for? we have already made announcements and - for? we have already made announcements and it - for? we have already made announcements and it is i for? we have already made i announcements and it is fully for? we have already made - announcements and it is fully costed in terms of efficiencies that we will make. we have also set out how we will fund some of the other proposals in terms of non—dom is and a range of policies that rachel reeves has set out.— a range of policies that rachel reeves has set out. how much is it auoin to reeves has set out. how much is it going to cost? _ reeve

i mean , diane abbott outside it?bott outside hackney town hall last night, surrounded by supporters, looks very defiant, looking like she's digging in. and i'm making this a matter of the fact she's a black woman , that somehow the black woman, that somehow the party is intrinsically racist. this is going to get worse and worse. what needs to be done, sean? there was a lot of talk about diane abbott being convinced to stand down, to take a nice peerage, to go into her dotage quietly. now, that just can't happen, can it? >> well, i mean, i mean, it will go away because they have to nominate a candidate by next week and it'll either be diane abbott or it won't. and, you know, that that will be the end of it one way or the other. but, i mean, they really should put an end to this before then again , when one way or the other either say that she's the candidate or say that she's not not the candidate and nominate somebody else, but dragging this out like this is not doing not doing anybody any favours . and doing anybody

diane abbott, but also by pushing some _ diane abbott, but also by pushing some candidates?ofj some candidates? the flip side of course _ some candidates? the flip side of course is — some candidates? the flip side of course is mild _ some candidates? the flip side of course is mild ahead, _ some candidates? the flip side of course is mild ahead, he - some candidates? the flip side of course is mild ahead, he wants i course is mild ahead, he wants people — course is mild ahead, he wants people who _ course is mild ahead, he wants people who are _ course is mild ahead, he wants people who are going - course is mild ahead, he wants people who are going to - course is mild ahead, he wants people who are going to be - course is mild ahead, he wants - people who are going to be competent and loyal. _ people who are going to be competent and loyal. as— people who are going to be competent and loyal. as he — people who are going to be competent and loyal, as he sees— people who are going to be competent and loyal, as he sees it. _ people who are going to be competent and loyal, as

. abs, really big issues, especially around diane abbott-— really big issues, especially around dianeom the chairman of the conservative party. we will be talking with our correspondent who has been travelling with sir keir starmer in a moment or two. we were watching the labour leader unveiling yet another labour launch on the nhs, so we will talk to leila on the programme in the next couple of minutes. meanwhile, the conservatives say they would close university courses offering what rishi sunak has described as a rip—off, and instead offer apprenticeships. described as a rip—off, and instead offerapprenticeships. labour described as a rip—off, and instead offer apprenticeships. labour has described the plans as laughable. the liberal democrats said the shockingly low pay on many apprenticeships was a sign of a broken system. the prime minister has been speaking about the plans during a campaign visit to cornwall. wonderful to be in cornwall this morning — wonderful to be in cornwall this morning having come on the overnight sleeper— morning having come on the overnight sleeper and

. support of diane abbott.p for hackney, diane abbott, told the cheering crowds, as long as possible, i'll be your mp for hackney north and stoke newington. i'll not let myself be intimidated. well, does this prose pose a problem for labour? we'll be getting that to that discussion in a little bit. but day seven of an unexpected election campaign now is almost over. election campaign now is almost over . labour's election campaign now is almost over. labour's big nhs announcement was overshadowed by confusion and controversy over the party's hokey cokey handling of diane abbott's suspension. tonight, no one knows if she'll be allowed to stand or not. she's schrodinger's candidate . she's schrodinger's candidate. meanwhile, the liberal democrats have been in wales and the west country talking about farming. ed davey has swapped paddleboarding for bicycling today, and the tories have another eye catching policy. well, an end to mickey mouse degrees. that's what they're calling it, saving the taxpayer and all that

since 1935, but they say diane abbott — since 1935, but they say diane abbott is _ since 1935, but theyay diane abbott is notjeremy corbyn. she is regarded, _ abbott is notjeremy corbyn. she is regarded, these mainstream people are saying. — regarded, these mainstream people are saying, as an icon of the labour movement, — are saying, as an icon of the labour movement, the first black woman elected _ movement, the first black woman elected to— movement, the first black woman elected to parliament, being there for 37— elected to parliament, being there for 37 years, completely different, and you _ for 37 years, completely different, and you are — for 37 years, completely different, and you are getting this wrong, they are saying — and you are getting this wrong, they are saying. some on the left are now saying _ are saying. some on the left are now saying that _ are saying. some on the left are now saying that they believe that they are being put back into what is called — are being put back into what is called the _ are being put back into what is called the sealed two, that is the phra

i was in the party including the behemoth that is diane abbott.— that is diane abbott.is a fair assessment of the way this has been handled? i of the way this has been handled? i think it has been handled very bizarrely _ think it has been handled very bizarrely. they could have got on top of _ bizarrely. they could have got on top of this— bizarrely. they could have got on top of this from the beginning. just thinking _ top of this from the beginning. just thinking about diane abbott, they did this _ thinking about diane abbott, they did this back door deal and unfortunately, just to clarify, they .ave unfortunately, just to clarify, they gave diane abbott a back door deal saying _ gave diane abbott a back door deal saying we _ gave diane abbott a back door deal saying we will reinstall the web and then wherr— saying we will reinstall the web and then when it comes to the election you will_ then when it comes to the election you will stand down. but then the story— you will stand down. but then the story leaked, there was a huge feeling — story leaked, there was a huge

he was lying about diane abbott. today.had news out that lloyd russell—moyle is now being administratively suspended. who's the brighton kemptown mp for labour this man and the people around him really lie to an extent, which i think really your viewers out there , people your viewers out there, people listening might think, well, all all politicians lie . no, this is all politicians lie. no, this is this is something quite new actually. >> obviously keir starmer is not here to defend himself. he would, i'm sure, say that he's not the biggest liar at elite level of politics. just got to get that out there, peter hitchens, what do you make of it all? >> this is called triangulation. >> this is called triangulation. >> it's a very clever trick by which this is the simplest way of explaining it. you pretend to be right wing by attacking somebody on the left. you attack somebody on the left. you attack somebody and therefore you differentiate yourself from them. keir starmer is a man, very much of the left. he doesn't want peop

they jeremy corbyn and diane abbott. ti3:1 are long—standing friends. together, and really support each other. i think it's quite lovely to see. i would love to see more support for diane with other mp5, such as david lambie and all the other mps who have been through this journey with her, just to show their support, really. and do exactly whatjeremy corbyn is doing. at the end of the day, it's all about that solidarity to show that this is a respected person, this is someone who's done so much for everybody and she paved the way for everybody and she paved the way for those black female mps as well, to be in the position they are in, and i think a lot of support out whatjeremy corbyn is doing will be really appreciated. what what jeremy corbyn is doing will be really appreciated.— really appreciated. what will be diane abbott's _ really appreciated. what will be diane abbott's legacy, - really appreciated. what will be diane abbott's legacy, do - really appreciated. what will be diane abbott's legacy, do you l really appreciated. what will be - diane a

some breaking news on diane abbott.ing you a clip of what he has said in the coming minutes. diane abbott is now free to go forward as a labour candidate, that is from sir keir starmer, the leader of the labour party. it comes after a lot of controversy over whether diane abbott was going to be allowed to continue to fight her seat. she was readmitted as a labour mp after an inquiry, the former shadow home secretary had been suspended in april 2023 after saying jewish and irish people don�*t face racism all their lives and has ascension would have meant she could not stand. party officials had tried to broker a deal in return for standing down. she was given the labour whip back but the mp indicated she had been told she was not allowed to fight for her seat for this election. but it seems after days of this dominating labour headlines, a lot of questions about how this has been handled, the leadership has come out and said diane abbott is free to stand as a labour candidate. until now the leader of the party had said i

no, that's not true, no decision has been taken to bar diane abbott.g through ended with the restoration of the whip the other day, so she's a member of the parliamentary labour party, and no decision has been ta ken barring her. also out on the campaign trail the prime minister, who said it was time to unpack the truth. the labour party have been telling everybody this investigation into diane abbott is ongoing, it now appears it concluded months ago, so really, i guess it's a question for them to clear this all up, what happened when and be transparent with people about it. the scottish national party says she has been treated disgracefully. the liberal democrats say it is a matter for labour. diane abbott is seen as a trailblazer, an important figure in the party's story, and the whole saga has caused some unease, even anger, in labour's ranks, but she has been critical of the current labour leadership, while also having been a close ally of the former leader, jeremy corbyn. so while this may all look like an unedifying mess, labour's top ranks perh

the diane abbott row has changed that.s has been damaging and distracting from the key campaign messages. others say it supports keir starmer�*s key argument that over the last five years, labour has changed. the final decision on diane abbott's future lies with the national executive. but for now, herjourney representing this community could soon come to an end. junior doctors in england will be taking industrial action again, just a week before the election. the five—day strike will begin at 7am onjune 27th and end early on tuesday 2nd ofjuly, just two days before election day. it means there'll be thousands more hospital appointments and treatments cancelled. it's their 11th strike since march last year, as hugh pym reports. it started in march last year. junior doctors in england out on strike in their dispute over pay. by the summer, walk—outs were continuing, but for a time with talks under way, there were hopes of a settlement. by february this year with the tenth strike, the dispute wasn't settled. then came mediat

helen, after questions, keir starmer out finally having a decision on the diane abbott controversy. a line under it, will it?— line under it, will it? it will brin: line under it, will it? it will bring to — line under it, will it? it will bring to include _ line under it, will it? it will bring to include -- - line under it, will it? it will. bring to include -- conclusion line under it, will it? it will- bring to include -- conclusion of bring to include —— conclusion of sorts. sir keir starmer says diane abbott is free to go forward as a labour cabinet, candidate. very long—standing labour mp, the first black woman to be elected to parliament. she claimed she had been blocked by the party. there is a method by the deputy leader who said she thought that dynamic should be allowed to stand as a live beer mp. —— labour mp. there does still need to be proved by labour�*s national committee. i think the last piece is to wait for diane abbott to about this. she had previously suggested to riley that she would stand, she would promise people that she would, as long as it is possible, be

including wednesday's rally on diane abbott's home turf of hackney.ment. tonight the veteran left—winger has told me whilst keir starmer�*s intervention is "positive", she doesn't want to speak on camera until after her candidacy is rubber—stamped next week. and we still don't know if she will definitely stand. it just reconfirms what we know about keir starmer, and that's that he constantly changes his mind. and it's clear that angela rayner is in charge of his party and not him. in hackney north, this row has left some voters unhappy. as the first black british female mp in history, . the amount she has done - for the community and for those that don't have a voice - is something that has resonated with so many of us around here. i think it's pretty awful, really, how they've treated her. i don't particularly think she has been treated unfairly. she has said things in the past which are not on the political, not politically correct. the tussle over who will be labour's candidate in this seat is all about the age old internal battles between right an

meanwhile, labour's deputy leader angela rayner says she doesn't see any reason why diane abbott can't stand as an mp with the party at the general election , according to reports election, according to reports in the guardian. angela rayner believes mr abbott hasn't been treated fairly or appropriately . treated fairly or appropriately. the veteran mp had the labour whip restored this week after a long suspension. she's accused sir keir starmer of culling the party's left wing. sir keir says he wants the highest quality candidates and has described miss abbott as a trailblazer . miss abbott as a trailblazer. the green party set out its vision to tackle the cost of living, improve housing and treat britain's polluted waterways. today in its campaign launch , co—leader caledonia told launch, co—leader caledonia told the event in bristol this afternoon that labour had backtracked on its green investments and that the greens role in the new parliament would be critical. recent polls put the party at 6, and it's hoping to elect four mps at the general election . businesses hiring election.

shall we start with diane abbott?use this has thrown the labour party campaign into chaos, hasn't it? this row is intensifying. >> well, i don't know about that. i think actually the labour party campaign so far has been very disciplined. this was probably the first day where there'd been a, you know, a bit of a misstep and it doesn't look great in the scheme of things. i'm not sure this is something that people will remember too much, but what i would say is that after the disaster of the corbyn years, labour need a zero tolerance policy on candidates who say or do things that don't accord to labour party values and unrwa . fortunately, diane and unrwa. fortunately, diane abbott wrote an article which it was an unforced error on her part. she proactively wrote an article where she made comments that that were not acceptable and so yeah, but she's been allowed she's been she's been allowed she's been she's been allowed back into the party. >> yes. so why allow her back into the party if you ought to let her stand? >>

now, it has somewhat been diverted by this ongoing trauma over what will happen to diane abbott and her —— ongoing drama. i abbott and her role will be in the party -- ongoing drama.- abbott and her role will be in the party -- ongoing drama. i think many --eole will party -- ongoing drama. i think many peeple will be — party -- ongoing drama. i think many peeple will be very — party -- ongoing drama. i think many people will be very concerned - party -- ongoing drama. i think many people will be very concerned about l people will be very concerned about the way that diane abbott has been treated. she's obviously been a loyal member of the labour party in westminster for approaching a0 years. as well as an enormous around of respect, the first black woman mp who was elected and therefore, she has that significance which i think many people look to and she is seen by many people in the ethnic minority communities and beyond as something of a role model. she has found herself tied up in a very protracted situation which arose out of what i think we would all probably agree was an unwise c

the diane abbott row has changed that.aging and distracting from the key campaign messages. others say it supports keir starmer�*s key argument that over the last five years, labour has changed. the final decision on diane abbott's future lies with the national executive. but for now, herjourney representing this community could soon come to an end. rishi sunak has been campaigning and says his party would replace what he's called university degrees. and fun apprenticeships instead. our political editor chris mason has been following the prime minister on his campaign trained today. bodman and cornwall. one week into the general election campaign. and the general election campaign. and the verdict from some here... it’s the verdict from some here... it's ok really. — the verdict from some here... it's ok really. i _ the verdict from some here... it's ok really. i do — the verdict from some here... it�*s ok really, i do a good idea to have it. 0k really, i do a good idea to have it. f 0k really, i do a good idea to have it.

they know who diane abbott is. she has pushed the boundaries — diane abbott is.me and as a trailblazer. you want to see her stand? i— time and as a trailblazer. you want to see her stand? iwill— time and as a trailblazer. you want to see her stand? i will not - time and as a trailblazer. you want to see her stand? i will not speak. to see her stand? i will not speak for her. to see her stand? i will not speak for her- if — to see her stand? i will not speak for her. if she _ to see her stand? i will not speak for her. if she wants _ to see her stand? i will not speak for her. if she wants to _ to see her stand? i will not speak for her. if she wants to stand - to see her stand? i will not speak for her. if she wants to stand as l to see her stand? i will not speakj for her. if she wants to stand as a candidate, — for her. if she wants to stand as a candidate, there should be nothing to stop _ candidate, there should be nothing to stop her at this point. she was readmitted as the labour mp for hackney— readmitted as the labour mp for hackney south at that point. i

then we hear that diane abbott _ december. then we hear that diane abbott was — december..— absolutely clear. but she is currently — absolutely clear. but she is currently a _ absolutely clear. but she is currently a labour - absolutely clear. but she is currently a labour mp. i absolutely clear. but she is currently a labour mp. no, absolutely clear. but she is i currently a labour mp. no, no, absolutely clear. but she is - currently a labour mp. no, no, this is aood currently a labour mp. no, no, this is good for— currently a labour mp. no, no, this is good for you. _ currently a labour mp. no, no, this is good for you, ros. _ currently a labour mp. no, no, this is good for you, ros. it _ currently a labour mp. no, no, this is good for you, ros. it detracts i is good for you, ros. it detracts attention from the appalling start that rishi sunak has had. you see again today he was asked for questions about —— asked a question about a mother who had died during the pandemic, at a time where he was partying at number ten. and he dealt with it in a terrible way. he is so unab

there are competing stories between keir starmer and diane abbott.now is there is an almighty row taking place between factio of the labour party and it has completely overshadowed their campaign today. what diana has done tonight at hackney town hall become part of her constituency is seeing publicly what she has been saying privately today, which is she thinks she had been banned from standing for the seat she has held for 37 years. she is blaming the leadership, saying the leadership just doesn't want her in parliament. and she is making it absolutely clear she doesn't want to stand. it is interesting because there has been sort of a rumor, doing the rounds for a few weeks, that labour was working on a deal to let diana back into the party, the expectation that she would call it a day in the general election. it doesn't sound like she wants to stand out at all, says that she will stay the mp here as long as possible. so it feels to me two things. firstly, she has left the door open to standing as an independent mp even though she is not engaging w

but you know, diane abbott is not jeremy corbyn. s thought he was bigger than the labour party. that's never been the way diane has projected herself and i just hope that, you know, this won't do irreparable damage. but there is a risk at the moment. this is dominating the headlines. it's distracting us from the positive agenda for change, and it needs to be dealt with. and i think it needs to be dean with. and i think it needs to be dealt with quickly. and if i, you know, i'm a very strong supporter of keir starmer. but one criticism i would make that at times of crisis , sometimes at times of crisis, sometimes the decision making is too slow. this needs to be dealt with quickly . quickly. >> the philip bill ramos says he's been very hard on anti—semitism in the labour party. when keir starmer was leader of the labour party, a number of people quit the front bench in protest at the rampant anti—semitism in the labour party. keir starmer wasn't one of them. he carried on serving in starmer shadow cabinet in 20, backed him at the 2017

that all been talking about diane abbott . this talking about diane abbott.acle is completely overshadowed. week one of the general election trail. is it the right thing to do to bring diane abbott back, or is it yet another u—turn from keir starmer? >> well, i would definitely disagree with the characterisation of the situation there. >> as you just have it. >> as you just have it. >> i've spoken to many hundreds of people on doorsteps since, rishi sunak decided to finally, at last call the general election and they've spoken to me about lots of things, the state of their local a&e, what's happening for their kids in school and i definitely would disagree with your characterisation of the discussion that's happening in the general election as it is. you know, this hasn't been an easy situation for anybody. and you described earlier the problem with the letter that was written in diane's name, but she's gone through that disciplinary process and done the necessary training that was asked of her. as i understand it . so this process is dealt with now and in sn

the veteran mp diane abbott has been reinstated by labour — after she was suspended last year durings. but it's unclear tonight whether she will or can stand for the party at the general election. the hackney north and stoke newington mp, who was first elected in 1987, was suspended after suggesting that jewish, irish and traveller people did not face racism "all their lives". it's understood that party officials had tried to broker a deal by which she would be readmitted in return for standing down. here's our political correspondent, damian grammaticas. diane abbott, campaigner, trailblazer, and over a0 years she has been a fixture on the left of politics, not afraid to criticise her own party, like the rack wall, whenjeremy her own party, like the rack wall, when jeremy corbyn her own party, like the rack wall, whenjeremy corbyn became party leader she became shadow home secretary —— iraq war. 30 months ago she was suspended by labour and this was on 1997, the day she became the first black woman elected to be an mp. -- 1987. first black woman elected to be an mp- -- 1981— first b

and let's be honest, the only reason for that is because diane abbott happens to because diane abbott be black, right? and she happens to be a black female labour mp. and i think personally that's disgraceful. i don't think she should be in front line politics. i think the things she said about, jews, about white people, about chairman mao and his disastrous genocide in china , i think are completely outrageous. so, no, i don't think this is a great day. >> paul embery i share her party. i don't share her politics. the word trailblazer has been used a lot, and i think that's right. she is a trailblazer and it's been really badly handled. i think she should be allowed to stand. i think she's earned the right to stand, having been the mp for that constituency for so long. some of the things that she said over the years, matt's right are frankly barmy, but the labour party is a broad church and she is probably just at the margins. she's right up against the wall of that broad church. i would say, the left hand wall, and i think a lot of mainstream labour party people don't necessarily su

and diane abbott, will she .et a year. and diane abbott, will she get a _ a year.it up. we have got advance plans to do so. without being complacent, i know that we have to be ready to hit the ground running, prepared for government. we will pick that up, run with it from day one. we will certainly, after the first year be in position to show the real difference it is capable of making, thatis difference it is capable of making, that is why our plans are not going to be begun on day one of government, they are already begun. 0n diane abbott there is not much i can add, no decision has been taken to bar her nec will take a decision. we got the logo for a great british energy. _ we got the logo for a great british energy, the website, but we still do not know— energy, the website, but we still do not know where it is going to be. why are — not know where it is going to be. why are you not telling us where it will be? _ why are you not telling us where it will be? is— why are you not telling us where it will be? is it because there are no votes _ will be? is it becaus

yes, diane abbott served in jeremy corbyn's _ abbott?jeremy corbyn's shadow cabinet, i abbott? yes, diane abbott served in jeremy corbyn's shadow cabinet, a l jeremy corbyn's shadow cabinet, a friend ofjeremy corbyn and she represents the seat not too far away in hackney. but she also has been suspended from the parliamentary labour party, which would mean she is ineligible to stand as a labour candidate unless the labour whip is restored to her. keir starmer suggested this morning we should get a decision on that relatively soon, because byjune the 4th, labour has to announce its candidates who are contesting the general election. a disciplinary inquiry is still going on into comments she had made about jewish people not necessarily suffering racism their entire lives. she has apologised to that and there are people in different wings of the labour party, the former deputy leader and the current deputy leader who would like to see her restore to the labour party and able to stand as a candidate. it will be a matter of days i think befor

diane abbott was elected in 1987, the first black woman mp. she's been a trailblazer.people to come into politics and public life. the whip has obviously been restored to her now and she is free to go forward as a labour candidate. and, yeah, exactly that point, adam, that you were making just before we heard that extract there. of course, it's a political organisation, a political party, to make a statement obvious, and if the figurehead says something that matters, but also a national executive committee of a party, of course it has a sort of governing role, but it's not some detached sort ofjudge and jury entirely on a plane that is not in any way connected to the political moods and prevailing winds within that party. and whilst keir starmer could accurately say in a sort of technocratic way, "it's down to the national executive committee," he was making a political choice up until today to not say that he would welcome diane abbott standing as a labour candidate, and now he's saying something rather different, as well as the suggestion that there wouldn't be any p

it has remained on whether diane abbott, the first black woman to become an mp and a labor stalwart,ble to stand for the party in the election. she said she is being banned. no decision has been taken, but the deputy does not see any reason why diane abbott should not stand. all of that and it is only officially day one of the campaign after parliament was dissolved overnight it will be a long few weeks ahead. here is our political editor, chris mason. >> this was a conservative mp this time yesterday. today, he's saying he will vote labor at the general election and he's joining the party. >> when i look back to my teenage years, whenever labor came to the forefront, we heard things can only get better. i feel we are at that point again in british politics and british history. that is why i decided i will be going for labor at this next election on the fourth of july. >> there you are quoting labor's anthem and y were a conservative mp 24 hours ago. >> this is not just the last 24 hours. i have been thinking about this for a long time. i believe the labour party has been through a j

on bbc london — more on the diane abbott row.sharp rise in the number of reported sexual harassment offences among girls and teens on london transport. good evening. welcome to the bbc news at six. junior doctors in england will walk out again on strike just a week before millions of people go to the polls. the five—day strike will begin at 7.00am onjune 27th and end early on tuesday 2nd ofjuly, just two days before election day. it means there'll be thousands more hospital appointment and treatments cancelled. it's their 11th strike since march last year. the government says it's a highly cynical tactic during an election campaign. the prime minister says it's politically motivated. the doctors say there've been no new pay offers, despite talks. our health editor hugh pym is outside a hospital in london. sophie, the nhs was always going to be a big issue in this campaign, even more so now with this planned strike in england disrupting hospitals days before polling day. rishi sunak has said it is politically motivated. the doctor

i actually re'ecting firmly diane abbott? ., �* 4' , actually re'ecting firmly diane abbott? agrees — abbott? i don't think every labour mp with agrees with, _ abbott? i don't think every labour mp with agrees with, and - abbott? i don't think every labour mp with agrees with, and this i abbott? i don't think every labour mp with agrees with, and this is i mp with agrees with, and this is just the latest sign of giving the tories a good kicking. we have a situation now _ tories a good kicking. we have a situation now where _ tories a good kicking. we have a situation now where natalie i situation now where natalie elphicke, of course she is not standing again, but labour will be happy to have her going out and campaigning on their behalf? if she wants to campaign _ campaigning on their behalf? if she wants to campaign on _ campaigning on their behalf? if she wants to campaign on our - campaigning on their behalf? if sue: wants to campaign on our behalf campaigning on their behalf? if sie: wants to campaign on our behalf that is fine. anybody is welcome to leaflet for us, you

at that event where diane abbott hasjust finished speaking, i abbott has just finished speaking, thankd "rip—off" university degrees and fund 100,000 more apprenticeships instead. the south—west is a key battleground for the conservatives. 0ur political editor chris mason has been following the prime minister on his campaign train today and sent this report from dunkeswell in devon. bodmin in cornwall, one week into the general election campaign. and the verdict from some folk here? it is ok, really. i think it is a good idea to have it. they are looking for your vote, of course, but ijust think they are fighting with each other and it is ridiculous. what do you make of the whole election fun and games? it is a total nightmare. i can't bear it. i can't watch television... it isjust dreadful. you can't be telling me you're not watching television! i am trying not to. planes and policies, trains and yet more trains. the prime minister arriving in penzance this morning, not looking too rough after a night on the sleeper from london. first up, a rail maintenance deeper to first up, a rail

diane abbott was handled badly. i agree _ diane abbott was handled badly.en poll, they can't _ election, we are seen poll, they can't fully— election, we are seen poll, they can't fully capture to extent which this has— can't fully capture to extent which this has cut through but the indications are this hasn't made a bil indications are this hasn't made a big dent — indications are this hasn't made a big dent in — indications are this hasn't made a big dent in their poll ratings. it was ever— big dent in their poll ratings. it was ever thus, so on to first past the post. — was ever thus, so on to first past the post, both political parties are broadchurches, every labour leader, i broadchurches, every labour leader, i worked _ broadchurches, every labour leader, i worked for — broadchurches, every labour leader, i worked for ed miliband back in the day, every— i worked for ed miliband back in the day, every labour leader has to manage — day, every labour leader has to manage a — day, every labour leader has to manage a party, it is i think much more _ mana

and of course, a few hours later, decision had been made then to allow diane abbott to stand and as dianeott has said herself on thursday night at hackney town hall, she wants to continue to be an mp. so we look forward to be an mp. so we look forward to her being the candidate and endorsed by the nec on tuesday. >> well, hang on a minute. this is surely double standards. i mean, the diane abbott comments were anti—semitic and you all remember when labour went after lee anderson when he was a conservative there for the remarks he made about sadiq khan?i remarks he made about sadiq khan? i put this to him. >> i think everyone can see what lee anderson said and make their own conclusions from that. the bottom line is that, diane abbott was punished. there was an independent investigation. she's done what the independent investigation has asked her to do. she's been restored to the whip. hopefully the course that she's done has meant that she has now learnt from her lesson from that. and we look forward to being back. but like any other party member, whether it be the leader of the labour pa

stand under the party's ticket injuly. fter days of uncertainty, sir keir starmer says diane abbott isee to go forward as a labour candidate". earlier this week, she claimed the party had banned herfrom doing so. ms abbott was suspended from labour last year after suggesting jewish, irish and traveller people experience prejudice, but not racism "all their lives". ms abbott has yet to say if she'll stand. joe pike reports. applause. forfour days, the questions have kept coming, but it may have been the deputy leader's support for diane abbott, as well as the scottish leader's sympathy towards her, that pushed keir starmer to act. angela rayner down here on the front row says that diane abbott should be allowed to stand if she wants to. anas sarwar, standing beside you, says he agrees with angela rayner. do you agree with them or are you sticking to the line that no decision has been taken? well, no decision has been taken, so that's the factual position. no decision to bar diane. this afternoon, that changed. she's free to go forward as a labour candidate. the whip is back with her. it