Tory donor Frank Hester says 'differences should be discussed in a playful way' amid racism row with Diane Abbott

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Tory donor accused of saying Diane Abbott 'should be shot' suggested differences should be discussed 'in a playful way without trying to offend'.

Frank Hester, who was also quoted as saying that watching the MP made you "want to hate all black women", and that Britain should "celebrate the rich diversity of people".

The businessman, who is the Conservative Party's biggest donor having handed over £10million last year, is under fire for comments condemned by Labor as "racist".

Diane Abbott said Mr Hester's comments were "scary" and reported him to the police

(AFP via Getty Images)

But in a statement Tuesday, Mr. Hester reiterated that he “abhors” racism as a “poison that has no place in public life.”

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He confirmed that, during the meeting in which he made the remarks first reported by The Guardian, he also said: “For me, the Racism is hatred and fear of others.

“For me, it's exactly the same thing as homophobia - it's not limited to the color of your skin, it's not not limited to the color of your skin. for religion, it may simply be the country next door. They can be people from the North or the South, as is the case here."

And he added: "The UK benefits enormously from the rich diversity of people - like my parents - who have roots in another country, another religion and another culture. We should celebrate these differences that have made us the most successful multi-ethnic, multi-faith democracy in the world.

Frank Hester made a donated £10 million to the Tories last year (CHOGM...