WATCH: Labour celebrates 33rd anniversary of first Black MPs elected

Labour is marking the 33rd anniversary of the first Black MPs – Diane Abbott, Paul Boateng and Bernie Grant – being elected to the UK parliament.

On June 11th 1987, the MPs for Hackney North, Tottenham and Brent South, as well as Keith Vaz for Leicester East, made history as voters returned them to the House of Commons.

In a statement today, Keir Starmer said: “It was a historic moment and we must recognise the achievement of these great pioneers. In 33 years progress has been made.

“But this year the anniversary comes as worldwide events have exposed the fact that racism discrimination and social injustice are all rife in our society.

“The reality of anti-Black racism, the impact of Covid-19 particularly on Black and Asian communities, and society’s inbuilt racial inequalities have shown that we’ve still got a long way to go.”

The Labour leader has promised to tackle anti-Black racism in society and within the party, and announced a range of measures that will form part of a new race equality strategy.

On this day in 1987 the UK elected its first Black MPs.

To celebrate, we’re sharing their stories and the stories of others.
First up, Paul Boateng, who in 1987 became MP for Brent South and became the UK’s first mixed-race Cabinet Minister in 2002. Watch this ✊🏾. pic.twitter.com/BYMC9DBzEQ

— The Labour Party (@UKLabour) June 11, 2020

Since her election 33 years ago to this day, @HackneyAbbott has inspired so many people, from across politics. Diane was the UK’s first Black female MP and the UK’s first Black woman to ever represent her party at PMQs. Her story is one of determination, courage and pride.👇🏾 pic.twitter.com/zIcOsznSni

— The Labour Party (@UKLabour) June 11, 2020

Bell Ribeiro-Addy, who worked for Diane Abbott before being elected herself as a Labour MP in 2019, posted a video specifically celebrating the Hackney representative.

33 years ago @HackneyAbbott made history as the first Black woman elected to Parliament.

A socialist hero, she has never faltered on her principles, no matter the cost, and has always been on the right side of history.

My inspiration❤️

Queen Diane long may you reign👸🏾 pic.twitter.com/9WflVg9Ov6

— Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP (@BellRibeiroAddy) June 11, 2020

Today marks 33 years since the first black MPs were elected to Parliament. Diane Abbott, Bernie Grant and Paul Boateng broke barriers to represent Hackney, Tottenham and Brent respectively. pic.twitter.com/bvmjLcnpEi

— Labour Vault (@LabourVault) June 11, 2020

Just want to say a big THANK YOU for all the kind messages here on Twitter today, marking the 33rd anniversary of my first election to Parliament. The struggle continues! pic.twitter.com/4YTKr4SDxm

— Diane Abbott MP (@HackneyAbbott) June 11, 2020