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The shadow home secretary called on the Government to give assurances that it will allow the House of Commons to have the final say on Britain’s EU exit terms. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Westminster Hour, host Carolyn Quinn brought up Ms Abbott’s absence at the second reading of the Article 50 bill. “You had that difficult moment didn’t you on that second reading when you didn’t go to vote, you were ill,” said Quinn as she was interrupted by the Labour Party MP during the awkward exchange. “Our position is that we were never going to wilfully block triggering Article 50 because that would be fundamentally undemocratic,” replied Ms Abbott, who cited a migraine for her absence.

GETTY Diane Abbott called on Theresa May's to make assurances over MPs being able to vote on a Brexit deal

Did you feel uncomfortable with the second reading vote, you know, when you didn’t turn up? Carolyn Quinn

The presenter probed further and asked: “Did you feel uncomfortable with the second reading vote, you know, when you didn’t turn up?” The politician swerved the question and blasted: “What I feel uncomfortable about is the idea that we’re going into a negotiation and at the end of the negotiation the European Parliament has a vote on a deal but the British Parliament doesn’t. “And I think the Government should think twice before putting the British people in that position.” Also speaking on the programme was Tory MP Kit Malthouse, who defended the Government’s stance on the UK’s Brexit negotiations.

Diane Abbott's most controversial quotes Fri, April 7, 2017 Outspoken Shadow Home Secretary, Diane Abbott holds strong opinions which does not always go down well. Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 11 Abortion is an issue of conscience for the Labour party.

GETTY Kit Malthouse said he had faith in the Government to negotiate the best Brexit deal for the UK