Is the Diane Abbott race row really a ploy?

TORY donor Frank Hester’s ‘racist language’ about Diane Abbott, for which he has apologised, was cringeworthy, to say the least.

But hang on just a minute.

His remarks were made five years ago, in a private meeting, and were clearly in response to whatever the prior discussion was about. The context of that discussion has been lost. Without excusing the intemperate words, haven’t we all, in private, said something we later regretted, perhaps after a few shandies? I doubt Mr Hester really meant that Ms Abbott should face a firing squad. Remember, this was not said to her, either directly or online. It was intended only for the ears of those present. And perhaps it has surfaced as a political weapon now because some people hope the Tories might be shamed into bankrupting themselves before the election.

H. MARTIN, Maryculter, aberdeenshire. So THIS has nothing to do with the impending outcome of the Labour Party’s complaints investigation following diane’s statement about Jews, the irish and the Travelling community, in an observer article in April last year, which resulted in the whip being removed? or with the general Election expected later this year? it has certainly deflected attention from the Angela rayner fiasco.

STEPHEN CHEESMAN, Kirby cross, essex.

IN AN Essex church some 50 years ago, a fellow parishioner turned to me after the sermon. Rolling her eyes, she whispered: ‘This vicar should be shot’. Have we nowadays lost completely the distinction between the metaphorical and the literal? EDWARD THOMAS, eastbourne, e. Sussex. FRANK HESTER’S comments about diane Abbott were made, i understand, in 2019. Why has the matter only become an issue now, i wonder? could there be an election soon?

MRS A. SMITH, croydon, Surrey. I TOO dislike Diane Abbott, but for her politics, not because of her gender or race. So shoot me. JANET STOWELL, Buxted, e. Sussex.