Veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott has not been barred from standing in the General Election, Sir Keir Starmer said.The Labour leader said no decision had been taken on whether she would be allowed to defend her seat.Ms Abbott, who in 1987 became the first black woman elected to Parliament, said she was "very dismayed" at suggestions she would be barred from standing.

Veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott has not been barred from standing in the General Election, Sir Keir Starmer said.The Labour leader said no decision had been taken on whether she would be allowed to defend her seat.Ms Abbott, who in 1987 became the first black woman elected to Parliament, said she was "very dismayed" at suggestions she would be barred from standing.