Shadow home secretary and Hackney MP Diane Abbott has spoken out against prime minister Theresa May’s silence on US president-elect Donald Trump’s provocative statements on women and minorities made throughout his campaign
Ms Abbott accused Mrs May of trying to legitimise Mr Trump and for suggesting his victory in the US elections proves the UK needs tougher immigration laws.
“Her silence on Donald Trump’s bigotry speaks volumes for her values. Instead of offering real solutions to the current crisis, Theresa May will simply offer someone to blame.”
“Clearly racism, sexism and bullying are not red-lines for whom our Prime Minister supports.”
Speaking at the Lord Mayor’s banquet earlier this month Guildhall Mrs May said Trump’s victory means “change is in the air”. She warned that angry voters must be listened to.
“We can’t deny that there have been downsides to globalisation in recent years.
“We have on occasion overlooked the impact on those closer to home who see these forces in a different light.
“These people – often those on modest to low incomes living in rich countries like our own – see their jobs being outsourced and wages undercut.
“They see their communities changing around them and don’t remember giving their permission for that to be the case.”