Keir Starmer says he has a 'hunch' that Diane Abbott's comments were anti-Semitic

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Keir Starmer said he "feels" one of his MPs' comments were anti-Semitic.

Labour suspended whip by Diane Abbott after she wrote to the Observer newspaper suggesting that Jews were not subjected to the same racism as other minorities.

The letter stated that Jewish communities , Irish and Travelers had experienced 'prejudice', but added: 'It's similar to racism and the two words are often used as if they were interchangeable.'

Ms Abbott added: "It is true that many types of white people with points of difference, such as redheads, may experience this prejudice. But they are not lifelong subject to racism."

S Speaking on Thursday morning, Sir Keir said the contents of the letter were "shocking".

Asked on ITV's GMB program what he thought of the comments, the Labor leader said: "There is an ongoing investigation, but I will not accept that there is a hierarchy there. We have to look at what she said and make a decision about it."

But pushed, he said: "My instinct is that it's shocking, my instinct is that it's shocking. is that it is anti-Semitic, and that I am determined to change the Labor Party so that Labor and anti-Semitism are not mentioned in the same sentence."

Ms Abbott quickly apologized for comment and said an "initial draft" of the letter had been sent in error.

"I wish to fully and unreservedly withdraw my remarks and dissociate myself from them," the MP said "The errors occurred when sending an initial draft. But there is no excuse, and I would like to apologize for any anguish caused.

Ms Abbot added "Racism takes many forms, and it is quite undeniable that the Jewish people have suffered its monstrous effects, as have the Irish people, travelers and many others. Once again, I would like to publicly apologize for the remarks and any resulting distress. Jews and Travelers all suffer from racism.

Also speaking on Thursday morning, Sir Keir said: "Let me recognize what Diane Abbott has had to endure for many, many years. I think she's probably suffered more abuse, obviously racial abuse, than anyone else in public life, certainly any other politician. It's terrible and it should be condemned and exposed and she should be supported in that.

"But on top of that...