Diane Abbott’s "42 days" speech

While we’re on 42 days, let’s think back to when the Commons debated the issue back in June. At the time I thought Diane Abbott’s speech stood out; and I’m not alone, because it won her the Spectator’s Parliamentary speech of the year award. Here’s the text of her speech – I wish I could link you to a video, because her tone of righteous indignation and controlled anger was something to behold. Terrific stuff, that makes you think Parliament’s best days might not all be in the past. I remember saying so a few days later to Charon QC, and I think he’s right that Ming Campbell’s speech in the same debate deserves recognition, too.