Sunak Shows Suella Braverman the Door for Stoking Tensions Over Pro-Palestinian March

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has dismissed his interior minister, Suella Braverman, following her criticism of the police’s handling of a pro-Palestinian march in London last week. The BBC reported that Sunak sacked Braverman as part of a reshuffle of his top ministers. Braverman had faced backlash for her remarks, which some accused of stoking tensions ahead of Armistice Day violence.

Braverman’s controversial article

Braverman, a 43-year-old minister of Goan origin, published an article last week in which she accused the London police of ignoring lawbreaking by “pro-Palestinian mobs”. She called the demonstrators, who were calling for a cease-fire in Gaza, “hate marchers”. And also condemned the “sick, inflammatory and, in some cases, clearly criminal chants, placards and paraphernalia” on display at the march. She said they marked “a new low” and expressed her concern over antisemitism and other forms of racism.

Braverman also praised the police officers for their professionalism and expressed her outrage over the injuries they suffered during the protests. She said they deserved the thanks of every decent citizen.

Backlash and pressure

Braverman’s article sparked a backlash from various quarters, who criticised her for inflaming tensions and encouraging right-wing protesters to take to the streets of London. Some also questioned her authority and judgement as the interior minister, who is responsible for overseeing the police and security matters.

Braverman’s comments also put Sunak under pressure to take action against her, as he faced calls from the opposition and some of his party members to sack her. Sunak, who became the prime minister in October after Boris Johnson resigned, was expected to reshuffle his cabinet to assert his authority and vision.

Sunak’s decision and reaction

On Monday, Sunak decided to fire Braverman from her post as the interior minister, according to a government source. The BBC reported that Sunak sacked Braverman as part of a reshuffle of his top team of ministers. Sunak has not yet announced who will replace Braverman as the interior minister.

A few of his fans welcomed Sunak’s decision. Still, the majority of the people expressed their disappointment and support for Braverman, who they said was a victim of political correctness and cancel culture.

She has not yet commented on her dismissal and left her home in London on Monday morning, wearing a mask and carrying a suitcase. (Reuters)

Rishi Sunak has sacked Suella Braverman as the interior minister following her criticism of the police’s handling of a pro-Palestinian march in London last week. Braverman had faced backlash for her remarks, which some accused of stoking tensions ahead of Armistice Day violence. Sunak’s decision was part of a reshuffle of his top ministers, which he hoped would strengthen his position and direction as the prime minister.