UK Labour MP Diane Abbott criticised for calling Ukraine war a NATO campaign

Diane Abbott, a left‑wing Labour MP, was readmitted to the party after a year‑long suspension. Her return sparked criticism after a video resurfaced showing her describing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a “NATO campaign against Russia” at an anti‑war conference. Abbott apologized for any hurt caused by the remarks and said she was “deeply sorry”. The comments revived earlier controversies, including a previous loss of the Labour whip over remarks on racism and a social‑media post calling the Israeli Defence Forces the “Jewish Defence Force”. Labour leader Andy Burnham welcomed her back, while Conservative MPs and supporters of Ukraine’s war effort condemned the description.

The episode highlights ongoing tensions within the Labour Party over foreign‑policy language and the handling of members’ past statements.