UK police probing racist comments by Conservative Party donor against Black MP

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - The UK police are actively investigating alleged racist remarks made by prominent Conservative Party donor Frank Hester regarding former Labour MP Diane Abbott, the UK's longest-serving Black MP.

The comments, which surfaced during a company meeting in 2019, have sparked widespread controversy and calls for action.

Initially reported by The Guardian, Hester's comments reportedly expressed a desire to "hate all Black women" in reference to Abbott and suggested she "should be shot."

Despite later issuing an apology, describing his remarks as "rude," Hester maintained they were unrelated to Abbott's gender or race.

The incident has ignited a fierce debate in Westminster, with opposition MPs urging the Conservatives to return the substantial £10 million ($12.5 million ) donation made by Hester's company, The Phoenix Partnership, since 2019.

Reports suggest an additional £5 million has also been contributed to Tory funds.

Despite condemnation of the remarks as racist, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has faced criticism for standing by the decision to retain the financial support.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed their active involvement in the investigation, stating: "Our officers have since been working to establish the facts and to ultimately ascertain whether a crime has been committed."