“The news about Diane’s return has been welcomed by activists across the country and was long overdue.”
Arise – a Festival of Left Ideas and Labour Assembly Against Austerity have released the following press release on the readmission of Diane Abbott to the Parliamentary Labour Party.
Campaigners and leading figures from across the labour movement have welcomed Diane Abbott’s return to the Labour Party, after over 35,000 people had backed a petition supporting her reinstatement.
In addition to the impressive support the petition received, organisers thanked the 10,000s of grassroots activists who shared their support for the campaign on social media in recent weeks, meaning that the message of solidarity was amplified across the country.
Commenting on Diane’s return, Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP said, “Diane has been an example to so many of us of what it means to fight for your community without compromise. Seeing her back in the Labour Party isn’t just right, it’s overdue.”
Welcoming the news, and thanking those who have campaigned on the issue, Kim Johnson MP said, “Diane’s contribution to the Labour movement cannot be overstated. She has spent decades breaking barriers, challenging injustice and inspiring generations along the way. Welcome back, Diane.”
Apsana Begum MP said, “I am so pleased and relieved that Diane, who is the longest serving Black MP and Mother of the House, has had her position duly restored in the Party. Diane has always shown dignity and determination when faced with undemocratic attacks and racism. We have, and we continue to stand on her mighty shoulders.”
TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust echoed these thoughts, commenting that “As Britain’s first Black woman MP and Mother of the House, Diane is a true Labour trailblazer, and it is good to see her take her rightful place in the party.”
Labour Party NEC member Jess Barnard said, “It’s wonderful to welcome Diane back into the Labour Party – while the treatment she has faced over the years cannot be undone, I’m glad that the party leadership have taken a step in the right direction.”
From the anti-racist movement, Sabby Dhalu, Stand Up To Racism Co-Convenor, said, “We welcome Diane Abbott’s reinstatement to the Labour Party. Diane has been a steadfast champion in the fight against racism and has made an immense contribution to the Labour movement. She remains a tremendous asset to the Labour Party. Her reinstatement is an important step towards rebuilding trust with progressive and Black voters, whose support will be vital in forthcoming elections.”
Speaking on behalf of the organisers of a 35,000-strong petition for Diane’s reinstatement, ‘Arise – a Festival of Left Ideas’ National Organiser Matt Willgress said, ” The news about Diane’s return has been welcomed by activists across the country and was long overdue. Over 35,000 of us stood together with Diane, and the message is clear – campaigning works and solidarity matters.”
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