WATCH: Commons Speaker Snubs Diane Abbott 46 Times In Debate About Tory Donor’s Remarks About Her

Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle denied MP Diane Abbott the opportunity to speak for herself during a debate about “racist” remarks made about her by a major Tory donor, ignoring her entirely despite her standing 46 times in a 35-minute session to get his attention.

The refusal to let Abbott participate during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday has drawn widespread criticism and follows closely on the heels of last month’s furor over Hoyle’s handling of a Gaza debate decision, raising further questions about his judgement and impartiality.

The focus of the PMQs was on comments made by businessman Frank Hester, a major Conservative donor, who said Abbott made him “want to hate all black women” and that she should be “shot.”

During the session, both Labour leader Keir Starmer and the Scottish National Party’s Commons leader Stephen Flynn raised Hester’s comments, but Abbott’s voice remained unheard. Abbott often stood alone, obviously seeking Hoyle’s attention only to be ignored.

Afterward, on a post to X, Abbott blasted Hoyle: “I don’t know whose interests the Speaker thinks he is serving. But it is not the interests of the Commons or democracy.”