By Ben Kerrigan-
Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak(pictured) pushed back on calls for him to return £1om donated from Frank Hestler who uttered racist words directed at MP Dianne Abbott.
As Sunak fought to contain the new racism row engulfing his party , he declared that ‘there is no room for racism in this country’, hailing the diversity in the UK that produced him as the first Asian prime minister in Britain’s history.
He stood firm against mounting pressure to return a substantial donation from the Conservative donor embroiled in a racism controversy.
Frank Hester, who made the racist and derogatory remarks about MP Diane Abbott, has donated over £10 million to the Tories, including providing Mr. Sunak with the use of a helicopter for a political visit last November.
The irony of his benevolence lay in disgraceful level of racism he displayed in making those statements-statements he can never erase.
How then does the party shake off the latest embarrassing snare coming from one if its top donors?
In response to unrealistic calls for the return of the donation during Prime Minister’s Questions, Sunak reiterated Hester’s apology for his alleged comments, emphasizing that “remorse should be accepted.” He also highlighted the diversity within the government, as he said there is no place for racism in Britain.
At Prime Minister’s Questions, Labour MP Marsha de Cordova asked Mr Sunak directly if he would return the helicopter donation.
He replied: “No. And I am pleased that the gentleman is supporting a party that represents one of the most diverse governments in this country’s history, led by this country’s first British Asian prime minister
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer challenged Sunak’s decision, urging him to exhibit “courage” by returning the funds.
The demand for the huge funds to be returned lacks practicality in every respect, exposing the lack of empathy in the request.
Most observers believe the Labour party would not have returned the money either had the same had occurred in their party.
Funds received for business purposes have been committed to multiple objectives .
Sunak remained steadfast, asserting that the alleged remarks were unacceptable but emphasizing Hester’s apology.
While Hester has acknowledged making rude comments, he has denied any racial or gender-based motivation.
The debate over returning the donation has sparked broader discussions about the role of money in politics and the responsibility of political parties to uphold principles of inclusivity and equality in their ideologies.
Hester’s comments were deplorable, ignorant, and unduly racist.
Critics, including SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, have accused Sunak of prioritizing financial interests over moral integrity, labeling Hester’s remarks as “downright dangerous.”
Meanwhile, calls for accountability have intensified, with Labour MP Marsha de Cordova urging Sunak to reconsider his stance.
Although impractical and unreasonable to lose such huge investment because of past racist conduct by one of his big donor, questions could arise regarding future donations from a man clearly on record as being racist.
The party may have the task of convincing the public that Mr Hestler meant something else when he made those remarks, but the damage for the donor might be done. but not enough to expect a return of such large sum.