Former Labour MP apologises after appearing to call BME people 'a funny tinge' | indy100 | indy100

Former Labour MP Angela Smith, who was one of seven politicians to quit the party to set up the new Independent Group, has had a rocky start after she was forced to apologise for comments she made about the BME community.

Smith appeared on BBC’s 'Politics Live' programme along with a panel of commentators, including Novara Media's Ash Sarkar, where she discussed the new political group and racism in the UK.

Speaking about racism and the Labour party, she said: "It’s not just about colour. The recent history of the party I just left, suggests that it’s not just about being black or a funny tin-“ She cut herself off from what many online are suggesting was the word "tinge", before she smiled and continued:

You know, different from the BM – from the BME community.

Sarkar interrupted the rest of her sentence in an attempt to get clarification on what Smith said.

She queried: “A funny what?”

The MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge didn't appear to acknowledge the question at the time.

People online were furious.

Journalist Michael Segalov was one of the first people to notice: "Did Angela Smith on live BBC TV just now *actually*, when talking about BME people, say "it's not just about being black or a funny tinge"?!?!??!?!!?? jesus f***ing christ".

Comedian Nish Kumar added:

Quick note everyone. We’re not saying BAME or POC, we’re now going with “Funny tinge”. I am a proud British FT.

did Angela Smith on live BBC TV just now *actually*, when talking about BME people, say "it's not just about being… https://t.co/IGQYNiKY4E
— michael segalov (@michael segalov) 1550496496

@MikeSegalov Oh, my God.
— Musa Okwonga (@Musa Okwonga) 1550497405

‘A funny what?’ thanks @AyoCaesar for being the only one who even responds when Angela Smith, one of the new Indepe… https://t.co/lZingh4bwt
— Jo ✊🏽 (@Jo ✊🏽) 1550495193

Wow. Just wow. Listen to how Angela Smith, one of the founders of the new party, describes BME people. https://t.co/QJ4fG8o6OH
— Owen Jones 🌹 (@Owen Jones 🌹) 1550498520

@OwenJones84 watching her mouth crumple as she knows she's saying the wrong thing but can't stop herself is quite something
— Rob Manuel 🧻 (@Rob Manuel 🧻) 1550498682

@OwenJones84 https://t.co/7Tqt9PiDrz
— Clynn (@Clynn) 1550499130

Quick note everyone. We’re not saying BAME or POC, we’re now going with “Funny tinge”. I am a proud British FT. https://t.co/IHVV3urspE
— Nish Kumar (@Nish Kumar) 1550496857

I’m from a BAME background and I've found Angela Smith MP's "funny tinge" comments very disgraceful. She should ins… https://t.co/5sLarX80h5
— Fuad Alakbarov ⁠⁠ (@Fuad Alakbarov ⁠⁠) 1550499858

What was Angela Smith, co-founder of the anti-racist party "The Independent Group", about to say when she looked at… https://t.co/35gJ6F5bqy
— Ross Sparkes (@Ross Sparkes) 1550494876

dipshit commentator: everyone loves the independent group, the splinter party with 8 MPs, no policies and no mandat… https://t.co/RxyLXHumII
— Stan Account (@Stan Account) 1550499132

Following criticism online, she released a video and apologised on Twitter:

I have seen the clip on politics live. I’m very sorry about any offense caused and I am very upset I misspoke so badly.
It’s not what I am. I am committed to fighting racism wherever I find it in my society.

I'm really sorry that I misspoke earlier on Politics Live - here's my statement. https://t.co/7csM95TFLo
— Angela Smith (@Angela Smith) 1550503849

Many thought her apology wasn't "good enough" and remain confused about her explanation of "misspeaking".

This is a woeful attempt at an apology. https://t.co/CRDVc6uAu4
— Owen Jones 🌹 (@Owen Jones 🌹) 1550504196

@angelasmithmp Apology not accepted https://t.co/B6ClKRzeBs
— Matt (@Matt) 1550504377

@angelasmithmp There is absolutely ZERO chance that I would ever accidentally misspeak something racist and this is a complete non-apology.
— A$AP Trotsky (@A$AP Trotsky) 1550504566

— (@)

@angelasmithmp Not good enough I’m afraid.
— 🇯🇲Jessica Noah Morgan™🇯🇲 מלכּה (@🇯🇲Jessica Noah Morgan™🇯🇲 מלכּה) 1550504873

— (@)

— (@)

Her appearance comes after seven Labour MPs resigned from the party, cititing Jeremy Corby's leadership, concerns over Brexit and antisemitism as reasons for their departure.

indy100 has contacted The Independent Group for comment.

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