Joani Reid readmitted to Labour Party after investigation into husband

Scottish Labour MP Joani Reid has been readmitted into the party following an investigation linked to the arrest of her husband.

The East Kilbride and Strathaven MP was suspended following the arrest of her partner David Taylor on suspicion of spying for China.

Scottish Counter Terrorism officers searched a property in East Kilbride as part of the criminal investigation.

The Labour Whip had been removed from Ms Reid while the party’s investigation had been ongoing.

Confirming that she had been restored to the party, she said that she had “never been” part of a police investigation, either as a suspect of a witness.

In a statement on social media, she said: “With my membership of the Parliamentary Labour Party restored, I am excited to play a full part in supporting our new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, his government, and in renewing Scottish Labour.

“I have never been part of a police investigation, as a suspect or as a witness, and I am pleased that this has now been recognised.

“The support I have received from colleagues across the political spectrum, my constituents and my local Labour Party has been steadfast.

“I am also deeply grateful to everyone who has stood by me when it was politically easier to distance themselves. You know who you are – thank you.”

MP Diane Abbott has also been readmitted to the Labour Party, after she was was suspended in July last year for doubling down on comments about racism for which she had previously apologised.

In a statement on social media Ms Abbott said she had been “issued with a formal warning” over a separate tweet in which she referred to the Israel Defence Force as the “Jewish Defence Force”.

Apologising for the tweet, she said she had “used wording that conflates the actions of the state of Israel with the Jewish community” and was “deeply sorry for any hurt caused by that conflation”.

She added: “I have been and remain a lifelong anti-racist and remain deeply committed to opposing racism in all its forms.”

A Labour Party Spokesperson said: “The Labour Party expects the highest standards from our elected representatives and party members. The Party assesses any alleged breaches of such standards independently of the leadership and political interference.

“Following a process conducted under Labour Party rules and approved by the independent review board, Diane Abbott and Joani Reid have been readmitted to the Labour Party and have had the Labour whip restored in the House of Commons.

“Diane Abbott has also apologised following the independent process coming to an end. All Labour elected representatives must be mindful at all times of their platform and the responsibilities that come with that privilege.”