Diane Abbott

You can't defend the indefensible - anything you say sounds self-serving and hypocritical.

You can't defend the indefensible - anything you say sounds self-serving and hypocritical.

Whenever I felt like slitting my wrists I used to like listening to depressed singers from the 1970s. It was read more

Whenever I felt like slitting my wrists I used to like listening to depressed singers from the 1970s. It was great music for a misunderstood teenager. And when I'm feeling misunderstood these days, I'll stick on a bit of Leonard Cohen.

Many young people carrying real or imitation firearms do so in a mistaken attempt to either boost their image, or read more

Many young people carrying real or imitation firearms do so in a mistaken attempt to either boost their image, or from a misguided idea about self-protection. In addition, most London shootings involve members of the black community and are often related to deprivation, gang rivalry or the illegal drug trade.

This is a historically significant victory for women worldwide but for Jamaicans in particular. Portia has already made history, and read more

This is a historically significant victory for women worldwide but for Jamaicans in particular. Portia has already made history, and looks set to consolidate her place in the history books of the future by becoming Jamaica's first female prime minister. She has proven herself to be a likeable and strong-willed woman. I am sure she will prove herself very worthy of this place in history and will serve as an inspiration for women the world over.

She has proven herself to be a likable and strong-willed woman. I am sure she will prove herself very worthy read more

She has proven herself to be a likable and strong-willed woman. I am sure she will prove herself very worthy of this place in history and will serve as an inspiration for women the world over.