Devendra Kumar
Rishi Sunak is facing growing calls to sack Suella Braverman, the British Home Secretary, after she defied Downing Street by publishing an article accusing police of bias towards protesters in support of Palestine. The article, which was not signed off by the Prime Minister’s office, claimed that some senior officers “play favourites” and that “pro-Palestinian mobs” are often ignored by police, even when breaking the law. The comparison was widely criticized as inflammatory and inaccurate.
The Home Secretary’s office failed to respond to questions about whether the article was cleared by Number 10 before publication, and the Prime Minister’s office only confirmed that the content was not agreed upon. The article was published despite significant alterations being requested by Downing Street.
The controversy has sparked a row within the Conservative Party, with some senior figures calling for Braverman’s resignation. Sir Bob Neill, chair of the Justice Committee, said her position was “untenable” and that she had “gone over the line.” A Conservative former Cabinet minister also urged Sunak to consider dismissing her, stating that her actions were “undermining” the party’s seriousness.
Labour Leader Keir Starmer and other opposition parties have pounced on the controversy, urging Sunak to sack Braverman and calling her “out of control.” Starmer accused Braverman of “stoking up tension at a time when we should be reducing it” and of having a “complete disregard for the proper role of the Home Secretary.”
The row has also sparked debate about the role of the police in handling protests, with some arguing that politicians should not interfere in operational matters. Transport Secretary Mark Harper rejected Braverman’s claims, stating that police forces are focused on upholding the law without fear or favour.
As the controversy continues to unfold, Sunak is under pressure to take action, with some calling for him to demonstrate his leadership by sacking Braverman. The row has seriously damaged the Home Secretary’s reputation and has raised questions about the Prime Minister’s ability to handle internal party conflicts.