Labour's Diane Abbott has had her whip suspended following comments that Irish, Jewish and Travellers are not subject to racism "all their lives".
The Member of Parliament for Hackney, who served as Jeremy Corbyn's shadow home secretary, wrote in a letter for the Observer that they instead face prejudice similar to "redheads". Ms Abbott was responding to an article which had the headline "Racism in Britain is not a black or white issue. It's far more complicated."
Writer Tomiwa Owolade said "Irish, Jewish and Traveller people all suffer from 'racism'." Ms Abbott wrote: "They undoubtedly experience prejudice.
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"This is similar to racism and the two words are often used as if they are interchangeable. It is true that many types of white people with points of difference, such as redheads, can experience this prejudice. But they are not all their lives subject to racism."
Following a backlash, including from a Tory Cabinet minister, Ms Abbott apologised for any "anguish" caused, suggesting "errors arose" in her initial draft letter to the party. However, Labour confirmed the whip was suspended from her pending an investigation.
A party spokesperson said: "The Labour Party completely condemns these comments which are deeply offensive and wrong. The chief whip has suspended the Labour whip from Diane Abbott pending an investigation."
Ms Abbott said on Twitter: "I am writing regarding my letter that was recently published in The Observer. I wish to wholly and unreservedly withdraw my written remarks and disassociate myself from them.
"The errors arose in an initial draft being sent. But there is no excuse and I wish to apologise for any anguish caused. Racism takes many forms and it is completely undeniable that Jewish people have suffered its monstrous effects, as have Irish people, Travellers and many others.
"Once again, I would like to apologise publicly for the remarks and any distress caused as a result of them."
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