Rishi Sunak fails to address Suella Braverman's criticism of police handling of protests

Rishi Sunak has not approved Home Secretary Suella Braverman's article criticizing the Metropolitan Police's handling of pro-Palestinian protests. The Prime Minister's spokesperson stated that they are investigating the situation with the article but reiterated Sunak's full confidence in Braverman. Braverman's article, published in The Times, accused the police force of applying a double standard in their approach to protests. She claimed that right-wing protesters were met with a stern response, while pro-Palestinian demonstrators were largely ignored. Former police officers and MPs have criticized Braverman's comments. Sunak's spokesperson clarified that the article was not agreed upon by Number 10, although Downing Street did suggest amendments that were not fully implemented. According to the ministerial code, major media appearances should be agreed with the No 10 Press Office. The Prime Minister has the authority to discipline a minister who violates the code, ranging from demanding a public apology to dismissal. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has joined the calls for Sunak to sack Braverman, accusing her of undermining the police and criticizing Sunak for being too weak to take action. Braverman wrote the article following a meeting between Sunak and Met Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley to discuss security ahead of a pro-Palestinian march. The police force has faced pressure to cancel the march, but Sir Mark stated that it would only be stopped if there is a serious threat of disorder, which has not yet been reached. Braverman's article claims that there is a perception that the police favor certain protesters, treating right-wing and nationalist demonstrators more harshly than pro-Palestinian groups who engage in similar behavior but are ignored by the authorities.