14 Mar 2024

UK: Frank Hester racism row, 'extremism' definition reviewed

From Nine To Noon, 9:45 am on 14 March 2024
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JULY 17, 2021: Labour Party MP Diane Abbott speaks during protest outside Downing Street in solidarity with England team football players Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka who became subject of racist abuse following the penalty shoot out in the Euro 2020 final, on July 17, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by WIktor Szymanowicz/NurPhoto) (Photo by WIktor Szymanowicz / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP)

Photo: WIKTOR SZYMANOWICZ

MP Diane Abbott was reportedly the target of sexist and racist comments from Tory donor Frank Hester. 

UK correspondent Dan Bloom unravels the controversy over major Tory donor Frank Hester, who reportedly said black female MP Diane Abbott "should be shot". It's led to calls for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to refund his donations, and condemn Hester's comments. And Communities Secretary Michael Gove is set to deliver a new definition of 'extremism' - why has the plan been criticised by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York?

Dan Bloom is deputy editor of Politico London Playbook