Michael Gove refuses to say whether Tory donor ‘s Diane Abbot comments are ‘extremist’

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Communities secretary Michael Gove has declined to say whether the enterprise tycoon who allegedly mentioned that Diane Abbott made him “want to hate all black women” can be thought-about “extremist” underneath a brand new definition.

Extremism is now outlined as “the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance” that goals to “negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others” or “undermine, overturn or replace the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights”. It additionally says the brand new model of extremism will “clearly articulate” how extremism is “evidenced” by the general public behaviour of extremists.

But talking forward of a speech to the Commons on Thursday, Mr Gove has declined to say whether alleged remarks from the Tory donor who referred to as for Ms Abbott to be “shot” can be thought-about “extremist”. He instructed Times Radio he was exercising “Christian forgiveness” in the direction of Mr Hester who he understands is “deeply sorry” for his remarks.

The communities secretary mentioned: “Different people will have different views… It is important that any decision of about individuals and organisations is taken after a rigorous assessment of evidence and a consistent pattern of behaviour.”

The authorities have come underneath hearth over the previous few days after the Guardian revealed that Frank Hester – who donated £10m to the Conservative occasion in 2023 – allegedly made “racist” comments concerning the former Labour MP and additional incendiary comments about Indian and Malaysian individuals.

The cupboard minister instructed Sky News: “I haven’t spoken to Mr Hester, but I think that when someone says that they are sorry, and I understand he’s deeply sorry for these remarks, then my natural inclination is to exercise Christian forgiveness.”

Mr Gove additionally mentioned he believes Mr Hester’s apology was “sincere”.

The authorities have condemned the reported comments made by Mr Hester as “racist” however have refused to return the donation regardless of calls from each the opposition and from inside their very own occasion.

After the publication of the remarks, a press release from the healthcare know-how agency the Phoenix Partnership (TPP), which Hester runs, mentioned he “accepts that he was rude about Diane Abbott in a private meeting several years ago but his criticism had nothing to do with her gender nor colour of skin”.

The assertion added: “He rang Diane Abbott twice today to try to apologise directly for the hurt he has caused her, and is deeply sorry for his remarks. He wishes to make it clear that he regards racism as a poison, which has no place in public life.”

In a later put up on Mr Hester’s private social media website, the buisnessman mentioned that individuals “should have the confidence to discuss our differences openly and even playfully without seeking to cause offence”.

Ms Abbott mentioned the views have been “frightening”.

Asked whether the Conservative occasion has a racism downside, Mr Gove mentioned: “I think there are individuals who’ve certainly said things that are unacceptable and racist and that needs to be called out. “But again, I also think that if individuals repent, apologise, show contrition, then the right thing to do is to accept that.”