Hesters Hate and The Reality for UK Black Politicians

Mid-Atlantic - conversations about US, UK and world politics

Description:

One week after Frank Hestor's attack on Diane Abbott, we explore the persistent challenges of racism and misogyny within the British political landscape. Our distinguished panel, featuring MP Claudia Webb, Leah Brown from Broadstairs Consulting, and political analyst Corey Bernard, look at the troubling experiences faced by black women in positions of power, particularly highlighting the distressing experiences of Diane Abbott. As we dissect the implications of leadership in combatting racial prejudice and examine the dichotomy of progress and persistent bigotry, this conversation sheds light on the intricate dynamics of race, identity, and politics in the UK.

Show Notes:

1. Claudia Webb MP shares her experiences of anti-black racism and misogyny as a black woman in Parliament, offering insights into the broader context of institutional racism and its impact on political figures.
2. Discussion on the lack of leadership in addressing racism, with specific reference to recent comments by Tory donor Frank Hester and the response (or lack thereof) from political leaders.
3. Leah Brown analyses the failure in political leadership and its connection to systemic issues, including conflicts of interest and the need for integrity and accountability.
4. Corey Bernard reflects on the role of identity politics in the political spectrum and how expectations differ across party lines, offering a unique perspective on diversity within political leadership.
5. Claudia Webb provides a closing statement, emphasising the need for genuine leadership to confront and eradicate racism and misogyny within the political arena.
6. Final thoughts from host Roifield Brown and the importance of continued vigilance against racism and sexism in all sectors of society.

Quotes

1. Claudia Webb MP: "The level of anti-Black racism and misogyny that I experienced as a Black Member of Parliament on the left is probably unprecedented... Black women, particularly those in positions of power, are targeted for the most vile levels of hate, targeted not just for being black, but also for being female and having the audacity to be in a position of power and then having the audacity to be on the left as well."
2. Leah Brown: "Lack of leadership is my favourite topic... The key area in which there has been lack of leadership shown here by the Prime Minister is in relation to conflicts of interest... Fundamentally if you can't address the conflicts of interest that arise in a way that doesn't give rise to toxic leadership, you also can't expect those same individuals to show leadership."
3. Corey Bernard: "Identity politics in this context, leading with race or ethnicity, is definitely something perhaps more expected on the left, right? As opposed to on the right... People are not very comfortable, basically, when you show who you are in terms of your identity."
4. Claudia Webb MP: "Black people in positions of leadership does not mean that we're going to see change. We are talking about a lack of political leadership, there are opportunists that are using this for political gain... Black people in positions of leadership does not necessarily mean that we're going to see change, we're talking about a minority, but we're talking about a lack of political leadership."

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