Overview

• Speaking at the Edinburgh Book Festival, Abbott said she advised Jeremy Corbyn against creating a new party because the voting system makes breakthroughs unlikely.
• She predicted the venture launched last month by Corbyn with Zarah Sultana, still without a name, could outperform expectations.
• Abbott signaled she would not join the breakaway and described herself as remaining at Labour’s core despite internal disputes.
• She criticized the Labour government for cutting the winter fuel allowance and benefits for disabled people.
• She condemned the proscription of Palestine Action as a disgrace and alleged she was sidelined in the Commons after racist remarks by Tory donor Frank Hester, noting she again sits without the Labour whip.