Minister Anna Turley condemns Diane Abbott on Russia threat as NATO fiction
Home Office minister Anna Turley rebuked Labour MP Diane Abbott after the MP called the Russian threat a NATO fiction, reaffirming the UK’s support for Ukraine.
Minister Anna Turley condemns Diane Abbott on Russia threat as NATO fiction
In a clash that has rattled Westminster’s defence debate, Home Office minister Anna Turley publicly rejected Labour MP Diane Abbott after the veteran MP labelled the Russian threat “a NATO fiction”. The exchange comes as Britain’s defence budget is set for a new increase and Russian officials have heightened rhetoric against Western support for Ukraine.
Abbott first voiced her criticism on X on Wednesday, saying the imminent threat from Russia was a construct used by NATO to justify higher defence spending. “The imminent threat from Russia is a NATO fiction to justify their complete capitulation to Trump’s demands for more military spending. The increase should not go ahead,” she wrote. Her remarks followed a German statement that a drone attack on Leipzig airport was an act of Russian aggression, a claim that has intensified Russian warnings of retaliation against British military sites.
Turley, who was asked about Abbott’s post on Times Radio on Thursday morning, replied that she “completely disagreed” with the MP. “I think she’s wrong on this,” she said, adding that the government “stands wholeheartedly behind Ukraine” and that the Prime Minister has met President Zelensky to affirm the UK’s support. Turley also said that any decision on whether Abbott should lose the Labour whip would be made by the chief whip, Anneliese Midgley.
“I completely disagree with Diane Abbott, I’m afraid. I think she’s wrong on this.”
Anna Turley, Home Office minister, via Times Radio
“The imminent threat from Russia is a Nato fiction to justify their complete capitulation to Trump’s demands for more military spending. The increase should not go ahead.”
Diane Abbott, Labour MP, via X
Russian officials have engaged in sabre‑rattling against Western nations in recent weeks, threatening to strike against the military targets in the UK and other countries for providing support to Ukraine.
Ms Abbott was readmitted to the Labour Party in July, after a year‑long suspension from the party for repeating comments about racism for which she had previously apologised. She had previously been suspended and investigated by the party over a letter to The Observer newspaper in 2023 in which she suggested that Jewish, Irish and Traveller people experience prejudice, but not racism. The long‑serving MP was subsequently readmitted to the party in time to contest her seat at the 2024 general election.
The German government declared on Tuesday that a drone attack on Leipzig airport had emanated from Russia. A spokesman for Andy Burnham replied: “As the PM said yesterday, the UK stands in full solidarity with Germany following Russia’s egregious and reckless attack in Leipzig.”
Asked if she thought Ms Abbott should have the Labour whip suspended again over her latest comments, minister Ms Turley told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that would be a decision for the Government’s chief whip, Anneliese Midgley. The minister added: “My opinion is she’s wrong. She’s in the wrong place on this. I disagree fundamentally, firmly, with her, and I’m happy to say so publicly, and the chief whip is the person that will make that decision, and I’ll wait for them to make their decision on that.” Despite the backlash, Labour sources suggested there was no prospect of Ms Abbott facing disciplinary action.
Timeline
- Wednesday – Diane Abbott tweets that the Russian threat is a NATO fiction.
- Thursday – Anna Turley comments on Times Radio, condemning Abbott’s remarks and reaffirming support for Ukraine.
- Thursday – Turley states that any decision on the Labour whip will be made by the chief whip.
- Recent – Germany attributes a Leipzig airport drone attack to Russia.
- Recent – Russian officials threaten retaliation against British military sites.
What to watch next
- The Chief Whip’s decision on whether to suspend Abbott’s Labour whip.
- Official statements from the UK government on the planned defence spending increase.
- Any further statements from Russian officials regarding potential strikes on UK military facilities.
Turley’s statement that the government “stands wholeheartedly behind Ukraine” echoes the Prime Minister’s earlier meeting with President Zelensky and the broader cross‑party consensus on supporting the Ukrainian war effort.
