Labour MP for Rochester and Strood Lauren Edwards in new racism row

August 9th, 2024

Labour MP for Rochester and Strood, Lauren Edwards, has made a statement following the unearthing of some particularly offensive tweets.

A statement by Lauren Edwards

I have recently been made aware of a small number of tweets that I posted on twitter from over a decade ago, which I now deeply regret.

They were a significant error of judgement on my part, and I apologise wholeheartedly.

Since becoming a local councillor and more recently an MP, I have seen first-hand the importance of bringing communities together and working with tolerance and respect for all in our society. I pledge to use my platform to continue that important work and dedicate myself to serving all residents of Rochester & Strood.

According to X community notes added to Ms Edwards' statement, one of her previous tweets said:

"i want these fucking estonian retards out of my flat now!"

Since we published this story Ms Edwards' X Account had been removed, so here is a screen grab in place of the original tweet:

Former SNP MP Martin Docherty-Hughes said: "As the former chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Estonia, I am deeply troubled by the racism & ableism vocalised by the Labour MP in question."

Former MP for Rochester and Strood, Rt Hon Kelly Tolhurst, also took to X to register her disappointment, saying:

"Shocked & concerned by the views held by @LaurenREdwards that have come to light. She had no concern airing them publicly when working for a #Labour MP, only deleting them after public pressure. Holding these divisive & unpleasant views she now represents our towns & community."

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