British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sacked Home Secretary Suella Braverman on November 13, 2023, following her controversial comments about pro-Palestinian protests.
Braverman had accused the police of being too lenient with pro-Palestinian protesters, saying that they were allowed to “get away with” violence and intimidation. Her comments drew widespread anger, including from within her own party, with some Conservative MPs calling for her resignation.
Sunak said that he had dismissed Braverman because she had “breached the ministerial code” by not informing him of her concerns about the police before making them public. He also said that her comments had been “damaging to public confidence” in the police.
Braverman’s dismissal is a blow to Sunak, who has been under pressure to deliver on his promises to “level up” the UK and to “take back control” of immigration. It is also a sign of the deep divisions within the Conservative Party over the issue of Israel-Palestine.
It remains to be seen who Sunak will appoint to replace Braverman as Home Secretary. However, the new appointee will be under pressure to restore public confidence in the police and to find a way to balance the UK’s support for Israel with its commitment to human rights.