Suella Braverman’s short tenures as Home Secretary were marked by a series of controversial statements that ignited debates on policy, morality, and governance in the UK.
1. Internal Market Bill
Braverman supported the Internal Market Bill, described as breaking international law in a “limited and specific way,” which led to accusations of sacrificing the UK’s reputation and risking the Good Friday Agreement.
2. The Rwanda ‘dream’
She was a major proponent of deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda, calling it her “dream” at the Tory conference in 2022, which drew widespread condemnation.
3. India Trade Deal
Braverman expressed reservations about allowing more immigration from India, affecting a major trade deal between the UK and India.
4. Security Breach
She was sacked as home secretary for leaking confidential Cabinet papers, a move criticized for breaching security protocols.
5. Migrant ‘invasion’
Braverman described the arrival of asylum seekers on the south coast as an “invasion,” which was likened to language used by far-right figures.
6. Grooming Gangs Article
In a comment piece, Braverman claimed child grooming gangs in the UK were “almost all British-Pakistani,” a statement found “significantly misleading” by the Independent Press Standards Organization.
7. Driving Awareness Course
She faced criticism for allegedly breaching the ministerial code by asking civil servants to arrange a private driving awareness course for her after being caught speeding.
8. Asylum Seekers ‘pretending to be gay’
Braverman claimed many asylum seekers pretended to be homosexual or transgender to “game the system,” drawing outrage from LGBT+ groups.
9. Multiculturalism a ‘failure’
She stated that multiculturalism in the UK had “failed” and threatened security, a statement that led to criticism and distancing by the Prime Minister.
10. Homelessness a ‘Lifestyle Choice’
Braverman faced criticism for plans to prevent charities from giving tents to rough sleepers and claiming homelessness was a “lifestyle choice”.
11. Police ‘Playing Favourites’
She accused police of tolerating pro-Palestinian demonstrations while using stronger tactics against right-wing protests, a statement that was described as “divisive” and “inflammatory”.
12. Pro-Palestinian Protests Criticism
Braverman’s unauthorized article criticizing the policing of pro-Palestinian protests was the final straw that led to her sacking, as it was seen as stoking tensions and defying the Prime Minister.
13. Chants at Protests
She urged police to consider whether chants like “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” could amount to a racially aggravated section 5 public order offence.
14. Warning to Demonstrators
Braverman warned demonstrators at pro-Palestine rallies that the police were ‘coming for them,’ accusing some of glorifying terrorism.
15. ‘Hate Marches’
She used the term “hate marches” to describe protests calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, urging a “zero-tolerance approach to antisemitism” and suggesting she would change laws around chants deemed extremist.
These statements and actions contributed to her being a polarizing figure in UK politics, drawing criticism from various groups and leading to her eventual sacking as Home Secretary.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jory Mundy.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.