MP Diane Abbott readmitted to the Labour Party
The MP had been suspended for over a year
MP Diane Abbott readmitted to the Labour Party
In a statement on social media, the longstanding MP apologised for the “hurt caused.”
STORY BY MELISSA SIGODO
JULY 30, 2026
MP Diane Abbott has been readmitted to the Labour Party following a year-long suspension.
The MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington was suspended from the party for a second time over comments made in a BBC interview where she said there was a “difference between racism which is about colour” and “other types of racism because you can see a Traveller or a Jewish person walking down the street, you don’t know.”
Abbott’s first suspension was back in April 2023 after she wrote in a letter to the Observer newspaper that Irish, Jewish and Traveller people “undoubtedly experience prejudice” but that they were “not all their lives subject to racism.”
Now, following a “process in line with party rules”, the longest serving female MP says she has been issued a “formal warning” and has been readmitted to the party.
In a post on X where she made the announcement, the MP wrote: “Today, following a process conducted in line with party rules and approved by the independent review process I have been readmitted to the Labour party.”
“I have been issued with a formal warning for a tweet I previously posted. By inadvertently referring to the Israeli Defence Force as the ‘Jewish Defence Force’, I used wording that conflates the actions of the state of Israel with the Jewish community.
“I am deeply sorry for any hurt caused by that conflation and apologise for the hurt caused by it.”
She added: “I have been and remain a lifelong anti-racist and remain deeply committed to opposing racism in all of its forms.”
Prior to Abbott’s readmission, we reported on a petition for her to be reinstated into the Labour Party reaching over 35,000 signatures.
In an article featured on Labour Hub, John McDonnell MP for Hayes and Harlington said:
“Andy Burnham says he aims to change the culture of the Labour Party and return the party to a broad church – a pluralist party where people’s views are respected. A first step would be to restore the Labour whip to Diane Abbott.”
Speaking on behalf of the petition organisers, Matt Willgress added: “We will keep speaking up for Diane Abbott to be reinstated and stand with Diane in all her campaigning for equality, social justice and peace.”
Following the Abbott’s reinstatement, Labour MPs have taken to social media welcoming the news.
Labour MP for Liverpool and Riverside Kim Johnson wrote: “Diane’s contribution to the Labour movement cannot be overstated.
“She has spent decade breaking barriers, challenging injustice and inspiring generations along the way.
“Welcome back, Diane.”
While Labour MP for Ealing Central and Acton, Rupa Huq wrote on X: “Welcome Back.”