Jeremy Corbyn: Meghan Markle criticism has ‘racial undertones’

Jeremy Corbyn agrees with Prince Harry that Meghan coverage has ‘racial undertones’, Labour leader’s spokeswoman says

  • Jeremy Corbyn has waded into the furious row over the royal couple’s future
  • Labour leader’s aides said he agreed media coverage had ‘racial undertones’ 
  • Tory MP Philip Davies insisted that the allegation of racism was ‘codswallop’ 
  • Home Secretary Priti Patel also flatly dismissed the claim earlier this week  
  • Mr Corbyn’s allies have complained bitterly that he was demonised by media 

Jeremy Corbyn agrees with concerns raised by Prince Harry about ‘racial undertones’ in press coverage of his wife M’eghan, the Labour leader’s office said today.

Mr Corbyn waded into the furious row over the royal couple with a spokeswoman saying he understood how coverage could have a ‘negative impact on people’.

However, they declined to give any examples of racism against the Duchess of Sussex in reporting or commentary.

And Tory MPs echoed Home Secretary Priti Patel, who earlier this week dismissed the idea that racism was a factor. 

Philip Davies said the allegation was ‘codswallop’ – pointing to the positive press the couple received when they were married. 

Allies of the Labour leader have previously complained about his treatment by the media, blaming his election defeat partly on being demonised. 

Jeremy Corbyn (pictured at PMQs today) waded into the furious row over the royal couple with a spokeswoman saying he understood how coverage could have a ‘negative impact on people’

In November 2016, Harry used a statement from his communications secretary to lash out at the 'wave of abuse and harassment' Meghan had faced from the media. The couple is pictured together when they became engaged

In November 2016, Harry used a statement from his communications secretary to lash out at the ‘wave of abuse and harassment’ Meghan had faced from the media. The couple is pictured together when they became engaged 

A spokeswoman for Mr Corbyn said: ‘Jeremy has commented in the past in relation to Prince Harry and Meghan, about press intrusion and its impact on people and their families and, to use Prince Harry’s words as well, the ‘racial undertones’ in relation to how the media has approached Meghan.’

She said Mr Corbyn had ‘spoken out’ about the issue and ‘understands how press intrusion can have a negative impact on people and their private lives’.

The spokeswoman declined to give any specific examples, saying: ‘I’m not going to run through the full gamut of the coverage. 

‘He agrees with the broad sentiment which Harry has put forward.’ 

In November 2016, Harry used a statement from his communications secretary to lash out at the ‘wave of abuse and harassment’ the US actress had faced from the media.

He cited the ‘racial undertones of comment pieces’ among his concerns.

But Shipley MP Mr Davies said: ‘I think that is utter codswallop. Anyone who remembers back to Harry and Meghan’s wedding will recall the huge popularity they had. 

‘The criticism of Meghan – whether people think it is justified or not – is nothing to do with racism.’ 

Earlier this week Home Secretary Priti Patel dismissed the idea that there had been any racism in the coverage of the Duchess. 

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, she said: ‘I’m not in that category at all where I believe there’s racism at all.

‘I think we live in a great country, a great society, full of opportunity, where people of any background can get on in life.’

Asked if the media had been in any way racist, she replied: ‘I don’t think so, no… I certainly haven’t seen that through any debates or commentary or things of that nature.’  

Boris Johnson refused to say earlier this week whether he believed that race was an issue in the media coverage, telling BBC Breakfast: ‘I don’t think this is helped by running commentary from politicians.

‘The royal family is a fantastic part of our country – and so is the media, by the way.’

Earlier this week Home Secretary Priti Patel dismissed the idea that there had been any racism in the coverage of the Duchess

Earlier this week Home Secretary Priti Patel dismissed the idea that there had been any racism in the coverage of the Duchess

 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk