THE Conservative Party opened an investigation into an activist last night after she tweeted that a Muslim-born Labour MP should “go back to Pakistan”.
Theodora Dickinson replied to a post showing shadow minister Naz Shah discussing her experience with poverty, asking if she “hates this country so much why doesn’t she go back to Pakistan?”
The Muslim Council of Britain described her tweet as “blatant racism”.
Shah said: “Over the last few weeks BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic) communities have been coming to terms with the racism they have faced over the years. In 2020 to be told to go back to Pakistan highlights the level of racism that still exists in some quarters of society.”
Dickinson, who describes herself as a political communications and social media consultant, apologised. She said: “I fully recognise how offensive it was, which is why I deleted the tweet almost immediately, though of course this does not excuse posting it in the first place.
“I have written to Ms Shah offering an unreserved apology.”
The Tories, who have launched an independent inquiry into prejudice within the party, said via a spokeswoman: “Theodora Dickinson has been suspended pending the outcome of an investigation.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel