PM: Tory donor’s alleged Diane Abbott comments are “racist”
Newscast
03/12/24
•35m
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Today, we look at the reaction to the alleged comments made by Tory donor Frank Hester as well as warnings from a watchdog that pet owners are overpaying for medicines. Adam and Chris discuss the reported remarks by Frank Hester, who has donated £10 million to the Conservative Party, after Rishi Sunak’s person described the donor’s comments as “racist”.
Mr Hester's company said 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".
It said he had tried to apologise directly to her for the hurt he has caused, and is deeply sorry for his remarks.
Dale Vince, Labour Party donor and CEO of Ecotricity tells Adam what it’s like to be a donor of a political party. And the Competition and Markets Authority has warned that vet practices are not being transparent about the prices of pet medicines. Adam is joined by Claire Batty, a vet from Lancashire, and BBC reporter Jim Connolly. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Chris Flynn with Gemma Roper and Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
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Next Episode
Rishi Sunak and the Ten Million Pound Question
March 13, 2024
•33m
Today, we look at the prime minister’s refusal to return a £10 million donation from a Conservative donor who reportedly said MP Diane Abbott “should be shot”. Plus are women who freeze their eggs being “misled” by some clinics?
PMQs was today dominated by the ongoing row surrounding alleged comments made about the former Labour MP Abbott by tory donor Frank Hester. The PM said Mr Hester's alleged comments were "wrong" and "racist", but he told MPs his "remorse should be accepted". Diane Abbott repeatedly tried to ask a question during PMQs, but did not succeed in getting the speaker to call her. Adam and Chris look at Rishi Sunak’s handling of the row. And why Diane Abbott has also called out the Labour party response?
And a BBC investigation has revealed that up to 4 in 10 fertility clinics may be breaching advertising guidelines, by not making the success rates of women who choose to freeze their eggs clear. Adam is joined by professor Geeta Nargund, a senior NHS consultant, and BBC investigative reporter Anna Collinson. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Gemma Roper and Teodora Agarici. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham
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