British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has fired his interior minister Suella Braverman following her criticism of the police’s handling of a pro-Palestinian march. This move has caused divisions within Sunak’s party and put his own authority at risk. In response to pressure from opposition lawmakers and members of the governing Conservative Party, Sunak expedited a planned reshuffle to bring in allies and remove underperforming ministers.
Braverman, known for her controversial statements, went against Sunak’s wishes last week by publishing an unauthorized article accusing the police of “double standards” at protests. She suggested that the police were tough on right-wing demonstrators but lenient with pro-Palestinian marchers. This further inflamed tensions between a pro-Palestinian demonstration and a far-right counter protest, resulting in the arrest of nearly 150 people.
A government source confirmed that Sunak asked Braverman to leave the government, and she accepted. Braverman was replaced by James Cleverly, the foreign minister, who was seen entering Sunak’s Downing Street office on Monday. In a surprising turn of events, there are reports that former Prime Minister David Cameron may be appointed as foreign minister.
Braverman’s removal is likely to anger some right-wing Conservatives who believe her criticism of the police was justified. To appease them, Sunak may argue that it was her choice of language, rather than her points, that was problematic.
This decision comes just days before the government and the interior ministry discover the outcome of a critical legal battle at the Supreme Court. They are awaiting a verdict on their ability to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, a policy area that holds significant importance for Sunak.
It is expected that Sunak will make further changes to his cabinet, bringing in his allies and replacing ministers who have not met his expectations in their respective departments.
