Stacey Dooley criticised by Labour MP David Lammy

Stacey Dooley has been criticised by the Labour MP David Lammy for appearing in a Comic Relief documentary in Uganda which promotes 'tired and unhelpful stereotypes' and encourages a 'white saviour' complex. 

The 31-year-old investigative reporter is in Africa filming for the charity and posted pictures on Instagram of local women dancing and of children hugging her.

However, the Tottenham MP accused Miss Dooley of showing a 'distorted image of Africa' and perpetuating a 'colonial era' mentality that suggests white people are the solution to poverty in deprived parts of the world.

Mr Lammy, 46, acknowledged Miss Dooley's 'good motives' but bemoaned the British celebrity trope of travelling to Africa to film charity appeals.

Miss Dooley, whose documentary focuses on Malaria and neonatal clinics, responded to the MPs twitter remarks and highlighted the £1 billion raised by Comic Relief since it was founded in 1985 by the comedian Lenny Henry.

Writing on social media, Mr Lammy said: 'The world doesn't need anymore white saviours. As I've said before, this just perpetuates tired and unhelpful stereotypes.'

The MP added: 'Let's promote voices from across the continent of Africa and have a serious debate.'

Addressing Miss Dooley directly, he said: 'This isn't personal and I don't question your good motives. My problem with British celebrities being flown out by Comic Relief to make these films is that it sends a distorted image of Africa which perpetuates an old idea from the colonial era.' 

Miss Dooley replied: 'Is the issue with me being white? (Genuine question) ...because if that’s the

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