Suella Braverman Criticised for Claiming Police Show Bias Towards Protesters: Situation Deemed ‘Chaotic

 

Suella Braverman has faced criticism for her comments accusing the police of bias towards protesters ahead of the pro-Palestinian march on Armistice Day. Critics have called her statements “out of control”. Braverman, the home secretary, has also been urged by some to be sacked. She suggested that “pro-Palestinian mobs” are often overlooked, even when they are clearly breaking the law.

These remarks, deemed “inflammatory”, come after Braverman referred to the protests as “hate marches”. She also made controversial statements implying that some people choose homelessness as a “lifestyle choice”. Commentators suggest that these remarks may signal her intention to vie for Tory leadership.

Braverman’s intervention followed Prime Minister’s failed attempt to persuade the Metropolitan Police chief to halt Saturday’s protest. Sir Mark Rowley was summoned to Downing Street for discussions on Wednesday afternoon, as the Prime Minister argued it would be “disrespectful” for the protest to proceed. However, Rowley maintained that the intelligence on the potential for serious disorder this weekend did not warrant prohibiting the march.

In an article for The Times, Braverman stated, “I do not believe that these marches are merely a cry for help for Gaza. They are an assertion of primacy by certain groups – particularly Islamists – reminiscent of what we’ve seen in Northern Ireland. Also concerning are reports that some of Saturday’s march organizers have ties to terrorist groups, including Hamas.”

Suella Braverman is out of control. Her article tonight is a highly irresponsible, dangerous attempt to undermine respect for police at a sensitive time, to rip up operational independence & to inflame community tensions. No other Home Secretary of any party would ever do this

— Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) November 8, 2023

Braverman asserted, “There is a perception that senior police officers show favouritism towards protesters.” She went on to say, “Right-wing and nationalist protesters exhibiting aggression are rightfully met with a stern response. However, pro-Palestinian groups displaying similar behaviour often go largely unaddressed, even when clearly violating the law.

“I’ve spoken to current and former police officers who have observed this double standard. Football fans are even more vocal about the stringent policing they face, compared to politically connected minority groups supported by the left.

“It’s possible that senior officers are more concerned about potential backlash than whether this perceived bias alienates the majority. The government has a duty to consider a broader perspective.”

The home secretary’s comments were met with immediate criticism.

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper stated, “Suella Braverman is acting recklessly.” She added that Braverman’s article “is a highly irresponsible, dangerous attempt to erode respect for the police at a sensitive time, to undermine operational independence, and to escalate community tensions.”

London mayor Sadiq Khan remarked that Braverman’s words were “inaccurate, inflammatory, and irresponsible.”

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Alistair Carmichael commented, “Suella Braverman seems to be running a Conservative party leadership campaign, not the Home Office. The home secretary’s inclination to fuel divisions and heighten tensions in this manner is both irresponsible and perilous.”

Over 70,000 individuals are anticipated to participate in the demonstration in central London on Saturday, which coincides with Armistice Day. Veterans plan to gather at the Cenotaph to honour Britain’s war dead.