Racism row over ‘gammon’ slur

LABOUR MPs have accused Corbyn-supporting activists of ‘racist’ abuse for calling white, middle-aged men ‘gammon’.

Backbenchers spoke out against the widespread use of the insulting term, which is often deployed online against older Tory supporters.

They warned that the popularity of such slurs among left-wing activists could cost Labour the next election.

Terms such as ‘melt’ and ‘centrist dad’ are frequently used against older men from the centre left – who may have voted for New Labour but won’t support Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

The word ‘gammon’ is often deployed against middle-aged white men with ruddy complexions who voice concerns about issues such as immigration and national security, or who back Brexit.

Labour former shadow minister Toby Perkins said: ‘Gammon is so obviously a racist slur that I can’t understand why people who generally decry racism think it’s OK to use it.’