Here we are again. Another day, another controversy, and yet another chance for Keir Starmer to show he has even an ounce of moral backbone.
But of course once again, he’s chosen to look the other way.
This time, it’s all about Labour MP Dawn Butler and her latest incendiary post. Butler decided to share a post on social media accusing Kemi Badenoch, the new Conservative leader, of being the “blackface of white supremacy” and labelling her victory a “win for racism.” If that’s not crossing a line, what is? And yet, Starmer hesitates, hoping this will just blow over.
Of course in Keir Starmer’s two-tier world, it’s one rule for some and another for others. Say something offensive on Facebook, and Starmer will fast-track you straight to jail. But if a Labour MP shares vile, race-baiting rhetoric? Suddenly, it’s a game of look-the-other-way.
And here’s the problem, Sir Keir: by refusing to remove the whip from Butler, you’re endorsing this toxic rhetoric. How can you expect the public to believe you stand for any kind of moral integrity when you allow this behaviour in your own ranks? Any leader worth their salt would take action – but you, Keir, dither.
Let’s take a look at Butler’s record. This is the same MP who once claimed “children are born without a biological sex” – a statement so scientifically absurd it’s almost laughable, if it weren’t so irresponsible. She’s the MP who was thrown out of the Commons, the one behind that cringe-worthy “21 seconds” rap video, and the one who starred in the bizarre “chosen one” clip. And let’s not forget her crying “racism” when her car was pulled over, despite the fact that her driver appeared to be white.
And now, we find Butler sharing posts that reduce Badenoch’s historic achievement to a slur. Kemi Badenoch, the first black leader of a Westminster party, is the kind of trailblazer that should be celebrated. She’s worked tirelessly, stood against identity politics, and represents a united, forward-thinking Britain. But rather than celebrate this landmark, Butler chose to denigrate it, framing it as a win for “white supremacy.” It’s divisive, it’s degrading, and frankly, it’s despicable.
Butler’s antics have rightly led to calls for action. Former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, himself a black politician, hit the nail on the head, calling Butler’s remarks “hateful” and demanding her suspension. Even Rupa Huq, who faced swift suspension from Labour last year for similarly offensive comments, must be wondering why the rules don’t apply equally to everyone.
Keir, how can you possibly look the public in the eye and claim to stand for decency while letting an MP use such vile, race-baiting language? If you want anyone to believe you have a shred of integrity, this is your moment to prove it.
What message are you sending by letting Butler off the hook? That Labour is fine with double standards? That poisonous, divisive language is acceptable, as long as it’s coming from your own MPs? This isn’t just a failure of leadership, Keir… it’s a failure of moral courage. If the public sees anything in your silence, it’s complicity.
And let’s be clear, Kemi Badenoch is no stranger to divisive attacks. Yet she’s shown a level-headed approach to identity and race that Butler seems incapable of understanding. Recently, she said, “The best thing will be when we get to the point where the colour of your skin is no more remarkable than the colour of your eyes or hair.” That’s the Britain we should be aiming for. Badenoch’s rise should be celebrated, not dragged through the mud with cheap, baseless insults.
So, Sir Keir, if you truly stand for integrity, here’s your chance. Remove the whip from Dawn Butler. Show the country that you won’t tolerate such race-baiting from within your own party. Because if you refuse to act, you’ll be sending a clear message: that you’re willing to ignore principles for the sake of political convenience.
Remember, history will remember that you fast-tracked members of the public to prison for social media posts, yet turned a blind eye when it was one of your own MPs crossing the line. You really are Two-Tier Kier.
