Tory MP's race gaffe

A Tory MP has apologised for "accidentally" suggesting that revered newscaster Sir Trevor McDonald only succeeded because of his colour.

But the MP - whose father was Indian - said he had made a mistake in the wording of his memo. He said he had meant to ask if Sir Trevor felt embarrassed about "the allegation" that his colour had helped him succeed. Mr Sayeed said: "This came out of a complaint that I heard on a radio discussion programme where they were discussing the number of journalists and commentators who were female and attractive or dark skinned and that meant some of the older journalists and commentators were being sidelined.

"What I thought I had sent in the email was 'Do you feel embarrassed about the allegation of having benefited from positive discrimination?'"

The MP said he did not believe Sir Trevor had been helped by his colour. "I think he is very able," he said.

He said he would offer an apology to Sir Trevor. "If I have caused any offence inadvertently then I will of course apologise," he said. "I would point out that with a surname like mine and with my family background and with being against any form of discrimination based on skin colour for over 20 years, I am the last person to poke fun at someone who has achieved so much."

The email was revealed in The Independent which had asked for suggestions of questions to be put to Sir Trevor.

The veteran ITN anchorman, expressed surprise and irritation at the question. "It would be nice to know how I've benefited from positive discrimination," he said. "I wouldn't say it was offensive. Just juvenile."