UNIONS, MPs and anti-racism campaigners renewed their call for Diane Abbott’s Labour whip to be restored today, marking the first anniversary of her suspension from the party.

Labour suspended Ms Abbott after a letter she wrote distinguishing between anti-black racism and racism directed at Irish, Jewish and Traveller people, saying the latter were not subjected to racism “all their lives.”

Although she promptly withdrew her remarks and apologised “for any anguish caused,” she has now sat as an independent for a year.