UK interior minister Suella Braverman’s job is in jeopardy after she made comments criticizing the policing of pro-Palestinian marches without the approval of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Braverman suggested that officers “play favorites” when policing protests and claimed they largely ignored “pro-Palestinian mobs” during recent demonstrations against the Israel-Hamas war. These comments have drawn criticism from both the left and the right.
Many are calling for Braverman to be fired, including members of the governing Conservative party who see her remarks as appealing to the right-wing base. This is not the first time she has made controversial statements, as she previously described the rallies calling for a ceasefire in Gaza as “hate marches” and claimed that homelessness is a “lifestyle choice”.
Despite the controversy, Downing Street has expressed confidence in Braverman but is investigating how her comments were published without consent, as required by the ministerial code. It is reported that the speech was sent to Sunak’s office, but requested changes were not made.
Speculation has arisen that Braverman’s comments are part of a strategy to position herself for a future Tory leadership contest or to appeal to right-wing voters ahead of the next general election. Sunak has also criticized a planned pro-Palestinian march on Armistice Day, suggesting that the Metropolitan Police ban it.
While tensions between Sunak and the Met Police appeared to ease after an emergency meeting, Braverman’s article criticized the force’s handling of the protests. She claimed that right-wing protesters are met with a stern response, while pro-Palestinian groups are largely ignored, even when breaking the law.
Critics, including Tom Winsor, a former police watchdog chief, argue that Braverman’s claims go against the principle of police independence. Opposition MPs are calling for Braverman to be replaced immediately, but the PM’s spokeswoman has stated that there is no set timeline for the inquiry.
The leader of the opposition Labour Party, Keir Starmer, has accused Braverman of being “out of control” and Sunak of being too weak to take action. The ongoing protests in London have been held in response to the Israel-Hamas war, with Israel claiming that the attacks resulted in 1,400 deaths, mostly civilians. The Palestinian territory’s health ministry reports over 10,000 deaths due to the bombardment and ground troops.
The Met Police have made nearly 200 arrests related to the protests, including hate crimes and incidents linked to anti-Semitism. Braverman’s controversial statements and her tendency to stoke culture wars may be seen as advantageous for the Tories as they try to narrow the gap with Labour in opinion polls ahead of the next election. Braverman has previously criticized multiculturalism, the United Nations Refugee Convention, and warned of a “hurricane” of immigration.
