An MP accused by a Liberal Democrat staffer of lying about her experiences of racism in Parliament said she has only just received a personal apology – nearly three weeks after the incident.

Labour’s Dawn Butler says Steve Wilson – the husband and chief of staff of MP Angela Smith – was ‘forced’ to say sorry because his response only arrived yesterday, on the same day as a letter from Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson.

But Ms Butler, who is the Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary, wants the office of Mrs Smith – who previously apologised for saying people of colour had ‘a funny tinge’ – to undergo diversity training.

She also called for Mr Wilson to be suspended immediately.

She told Metro.co.uk: ‘It has taken almost three weeks to get a one-line apology from Steven Wilson, which demonstrates no understanding of why what he said was unacceptable.

‘Jo Swinson is refusing to say what disciplinary action will be taken against him and refusing to confirm whether he and Angela Smith will be required to attend equalities training.

‘By protecting a white man who denied a black woman’s lived experience, the Lib Dems are actively condoning racism in their Party and promoting it in wider society. Steve Wilson should be suspended from their Party immediately.’

In a column written for Metro.co.uk, Ms Butler previously revealed two incidents of racism she faced in Parliament – one of which Mr Smith labelled ‘just not true’.

In a letter to Ms Swinson, Ms Butler had previously said such comments ‘legitimise’ and ‘actively promote racism’.

The Brent Central MP accused the Lib Dem of ‘gaslighting’ her with ‘deeply disturbing trolling’, and called for disciplinary action.

She went on to detail two incidents of discrimination against her in Parliament, during an exclusive interview with Metro.co.uk.

In her response to the letter, Ms Swinson wrote yesterday: ‘I want to be very clear that I absolutely believe that your experience in the lift is genuine, and I think it is vital that when these experiences are shared that they are believed and not dismissed. I entirely agree with you that there is no place in modern society for language that seeks to divide us.

‘All Liberal Democrat MPs and their staff are expected to undertake the “Valuing Everyone” training which was put in place as part of the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme.’

Got a story for Metro.co.uk?

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected]. For more stories like this, check our news page.

Source: Read Full Article