UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is caught in a Conservative party rift over the fate of Home Secretary Suella Braverman. The controversy arose after she suggested that police showed bias in allowing a pro-Palestinian march on Armistice Day. Sunak has refrained from dismissing her, and allies of Braverman claim that over 50 Tory MPs are supporting her to retain her position.
Among these MPs are individuals from hard-right Conservative groups, labeled as "the five families," who are also pointing fingers at Chief Whip Simon Hart, accusing him of orchestrating a plot to remove Braverman.
On the opposing side, moderate MPs are angered by Braverman's role in heightening tensions before the pro-Palestinian protest. They are urging No 10 and the chief whip to take action, asserting that a failure to act appears as weakness.
Sunak is deliberating on Braverman's future as Home Secretary, especially since she submitted a controversial piece to The Times without making requested changes from Downing Street. Braverman has maintained silence since then but, in an apparent effort to defuse the situation and retain her position, she met with Met Commissioner Mark Rowley on Friday and issued a statement supporting the police, as reported by The Guardian.
Braverman said: “The commissioner outlined plans to continue working to maintain public order, ensure compliance with the law and maintain the safety of participants, police officers and the general public.
“The home secretary emphasised her full backing for the police in what will be a complex and challenging situation and expressed confidence that any criminality will be dealt with robustly."
(With Agency Inputs)
