JEREMY Corbyn believes there are “racial undertones” in the press coverage of Meghan Markle, his spokesperson said today.
The Labour boss spoke out after the Duchess was seen in Canada for the first time yesterday since announcing that her and Prince Harry would step down as senior Royals and spend more time in North America.
The Royals are thrashing out the details of how they plan to become financially independent from the rest of the family – but Meghan has already flown back to Canada to be with baby Archie.
Mr Corbyn’s spokesperson said this lunchtime: “Jeremy has commented in the past in relation to Prince Harry and Meghan about press intrusion and its impact on people and their families.
“To use Prince Harry’s words as well – the racial undertones in relation to how the media has approached Meghan.
“He [Corbyn] has spoken out about the concerns and obviously understands how press intrusion can have a negative impact on people and their private lives.”
Prince Harry accused the press of subjecting Meghan to a wave of abuse and harassment back in November 2016.
And some commentators have claimed the pair are fleeing their roles to escape racism.
However, Mr Corbyn’s spokesperson failed to give any examples of racist coverage.
They said: “I’m not going to run through the full gamut of the coverage. He agrees with the broad sentiment which Harry has put forward.”
It comes just days after the Home Secretary, Priti Patel, said she did not believe the Duchess was a victim of media racism.
TheHome Secretarysaid Britain is a great country full of opportunity for people whatever theirrace or background.
Ms Patel Britains first female ethnic minority Home Secretary said she does not think there has been any racism.
She told BBC Radio 5 Live: I am not in that category at all where I believe there has been racism.
I think we live in a great country, a great society, full of opportunity where people of every background can get on in life.
Asked if themedia had been racist, she replied: I dont think so, no.
I certainly havent seen that through any debates or commentary or things of that nature.
Ms Patel, who was born in London to a Ugandan-Indian family, added: As someone brought up in Britain, as someone from an immigrant background I think Britain is a country of tremendous opportunity.
Everyone has a perception of what they read in the press, but I certainly dont see that.
