Diane Abbott speaks at a vigil, held by Stand Up to Racism, in memory of late University of Cambridge professor Jason Arday at Trafalgar Square last month. Diane Abbott will not lose the Labour whip over her claim that the threat posed by Russia is “a Nato fiction” to justify more defence spending. The veteran MP was dubbed “Putin’s useful idiot” over her controversial comments. They came just a month after it emerged she had previously described the war in Ukraine as “a Nato campaign against Russia”. Posting on X yesterday, she said: “The imminent threat from Russia is a Nato fiction to justify their complete capitulation to Trump’s demands for more military spending. The increase [in defence spending] should not go ahead.” Abbott’s comments led to calls for her to lose the Labour whip. However, HuffPost UK understands government chief whip Anneliese Midgley considers the matter to be closed. Abbott, the MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, only regained the Labour whip at the end of July. She had previously lost it over claims she made in a letter to The Observer in 2023 that Jewish, Irish and Traveller communities experience prejudice rather than racism. On Radio 4’s Today programme this morning, immigration minister Anna Turley said Abbott’s latest Nato comments were “fundamentally wrong”. A No.10 spokesperson said on Wednesday: “Our commitment to supporting Ukraine from Russia’s illegal invasion is ironclad.” Listen to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster. Related... Diane Abbott Dubbed 'Putin's Useful Idiot' For Claiming Russian Threat Is 'Nato Fiction' Diane Abbott Under Fire For Describing Ukraine War As A 'Nato Campaign Against Russia' Diane Abbott Welcomed Back Into Labour Party After Year-Long Suspension