Abbott criticises Speaker for race row debate snub

Diane Abbott has criticised the Commons Speaker for not selecting her to ask a question at a Prime Minister's Question session dominated by a row over a Tory donor's alleged comments about her.

Ms Abbott was in the chamber while the PM faced questions on Frank Hester's alleged comments that she made him "want to hate all black women".

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said he "ran out of time" to choose her.

Ms Abbott said the decision failed both the Commons and "democracy".

In a social media post, Ms Abbott said: "I don't know whose interests the Speaker thinks he is serving."

Ms Abbott was sitting on the opposition benches during the weekly question session, but did not get a chance to speak.

Wednesday's PMQs had an extensive debate about Ms Abbott, without hearing from the Independent MP herself - despite her repeated attempts to intervene.

MPs enter a ballot to ask a question at PMQs, which is seen as a highlight of the parliamentary week. But the Speaker also has discretion to choose additional MPs, who can rise - or bob - to signal they wish to pose the PM a question.

A spokesperson for the Speaker said: "During Prime Minister's Questions, the Speaker must select MPs from either side of the House on an alternating basis for fairness.

"This takes place within a limited time frame, with the Chair prioritising members who are already listed on the order paper. This week - as is often the case - there was not enough time to call all members who wanted to ask a question."

Before the debate, Ms Abbott said Mr Hester's alleged comment that she needed "to be shot" was "frightening".

Both Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer and Stephen Flynn, the SNP Westminster leader, raised Mr Hester's alleged comments with the prime minister.

Mr Sunak rejected Labour MP Marsha de Cordova's call to return the donation of a free helicopter ride given by Mr Hester to the prime minister.

Once the debate was finished, Ms Abbott could be seen shaking her head after failing to be called to speak.