Diane Abbott readmitted to Labour after year-long suspension

Diane Abbott, the Labour MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, has been readmitted to the party after a year-long suspension. The decision follows an independent review process and a formal warning issued to Abbott for a tweet in which she referred to the Israel Defense Forces as the 'Jewish Defence Force'.

Abbott posted on X that she had been readmitted and had received a formal warning. She apologised for the tweet, stating it had conflated the actions of the Israeli state with the Jewish community. "I am deeply sorry for any hurt caused by that conflation and apologise for any hurt caused by it," she wrote. The tweet was posted days before her suspension in July 2025.

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Second suspension over antisemitism allegations

This was Abbott’s second suspension from Labour. The first occurred in 2023 after she wrote a letter to the Observer suggesting Jewish, Irish and Traveller people experience prejudice but not racism. She was readmitted in time for the 2024 general election but was suspended again in July 2025 after defending her original remarks in a BBC interview.

A Labour spokesperson said the decision to readmit Abbott was made independently of the party leadership. The spokesperson told the BBC that Abbott had "apologised" following the process. Over 38,000 people signed a petition supporting her return to the party.

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Jewish groups express concern

Jewish organisations have criticised the decision. The Board of Deputies said Abbott’s readmission was an early test for Labour leader Andy Burnham. "It is hard to conceive of the whip being restored unless there is clear and sustained evidence of genuine remorse," the group said, as reported by the BBC. The Jewish Leadership Council called on Burnham to explain how the decision aligned with Labour’s zero-tolerance approach to antisemitism.

Joani Reid also readmitted

Joani Reid, the MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven, was readmitted to Labour on the same day. Reid had voluntarily suspended herself in March 2025 after her husband, David Taylor, was arrested on suspicion of spying for China. Taylor and two other men were later released on police bail, which was extended until August 2025.

I have never been part of a police investigation, as a suspect or as a witness, and I am pleased that this has now been recognised.

Joani Reid, MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven

Reid said she was "excited to play a full part in supporting our new prime minister" and thanked colleagues and constituents for their support. There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by Reid, who has consistently denied any involvement in her husband’s case.

What happens next

Both Abbott and Reid will now sit as Labour MPs in Parliament. Abbott’s readmission follows a period of pressure from some Labour MPs and supporters, while Reid’s return comes after her husband’s case remains unresolved. It is unclear whether further action will be taken if Taylor’s bail conditions change or if new evidence emerges.