Brexit Secretary apologises for jibe at Diane Abbott

Photo: Reuters/file

The Brexit Secretary David Davis has apologised for his alleged remarks on text messages about UK's shadow home secretary Diane Abbott.

He reportedly said that he would not attempt to hug Abbott because he is “not blind". Davis said that he is “very sorry” for any offence caused by the content of the texts reported Sky News.

The messages were exchanged between Davis and his colleague, following reports that Davis and Abbott had a heated exchange shortly after MPs voted overwhelmingly to trigger Article 50. Abbott reportedly told Davis off after he seemed to lean in and try to embrace her.

Davis’s colleague mentioned that he cannot believe that Davis made an attempt to hug Abbott. To which Davis replied, "Didn't but the myth grows. I whispered in her ear 'Thanks for your vote'. I am not blind."

A spokesperson for the Brexit Secretary has insisted that Davis was joking in the texts, adding: "This was a self-evidently jocular and private exchange with a friend.The Secretary of State is very sorry for any offence caused to Abbott, someone he has known and respected for many years."