Welcome back Diane Abbott MP
Labour CND
Like tens of thousands of campaigners across the labour movement, LABOUR CND is delighted at the reinstatement of Diane Abbott MP. We joined with others in calling for that reinstatement, and like others we welcome her back into the Labour Party and the restoration of the Parliamentary Labour Party whip.
Diane Abbott MP’s statement on readmission to the Labour Party:
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 any hurt caused by it.
I have been and remain a lifelong anti-racist and remain deeply committed to opposing racism in all its forms.
Labour CND statement on Diane Abbott’s readmission:
Diane has been an indomitable campaigner against racism and for the rights of black and minority ethnic communities in Britain and elsewhere. But her contribution doesn’t end there. She has been a consistent campaigner for women’s rights, and for peace and nuclear disarmament over decades – never afraid to speak out for what she believed to be right.
A socialist with strong internationalist roots, Diane has campaigned for peace and justice, and called for conflict resolution rather than war. She has worked with Labour CND and national CND since she entered parliament in the 1980s.
A case of what goes around comes around?
At Labour Party annual conference in 1998, a Labour CND newsletter warned that government plans to create Rapid Deployment Forces ‘compatible with Nato and ready to intervene anywhere in the world at short notice’ meant spending £9 billion on two new aircraft carriers which could best be spent elsewhere.
Diane Abbott MP was one of the speakers at a Labour CND fringe meeting that year.
Other statements from labour movement figures and campaigns include:
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.”
Former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell MP said he was “really pleased” by the news, tweeting: “I hope it’s an example of the reassertion of the proper & fair administration of the party after years of factional abuse.”
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.”
Momentum hailed the decision, ‘Fantastic news. Welcome back Diane Abbott.’
The quotes above are taken from press releases issues by Labour Outlook and Labour Hub, 31 July 2026