There’s a burning question being asked everywhere from Liverpool to London: is Diane Abbott capable of getting through a single interview without committing a massive blunder? After another stellar performance on Newsnight, the answer almost certainly appears to be no.
When the shadow home secretary was asked by Emily Maitlis if Labour’s Brexit immigration stance risked painting them as the party of the metropolitan elite, Abbott thought she had the perfect combative response:
‘You seem to be reading from a Tory script.
I’m telling you that migration is a complex issue and we need to start with the facts. I’m telling you the reason that some parts of the country voted to leave is a complicated question and we have to listen to them and respect them. But if all you’re doing is throwing Tory talking points at me, it’s difficult for me to respond.’
Unfortunately, as Maitlis confirmed, it was a partisan question, but it came from Abbott’s own side:
‘That came from a Labour member in the hall who said that Labour should be worried that’s exactly what they’re doing.’
“You seem to be reading from a Tory script.
Britain’s best politics newsletters
You get two free articles each week when you sign up to The Spectator’s emails.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in