Braverman’s future hangs in balance in pro-Palestine Armistice Day march row

One of the UK’s most senior police officers has defended the police’s rights to make independent operational decisions amid intense political pressure linked to allegation of bias over Armistice weekend protests.

Gavin Stephens, who is chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), said that political views could dictate the decision making of police forces.

His comments came after the head of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Mark Rowley, refused to ban a pro-Palestine protest in central London on Saturday, despite pointed public comments by the prime minister and home secretary.

Mr Stephens said: “In policing we need the space to make difficult operational decisions in an independent manner.

“That space is set out very clearly in law in the Policing Protocol Order which was refreshed earlier this year.

“The decisions that we take are not easy ones, but we do so impartially, without fear or favour, and in line with both the law and our authorised professional practice.”

Speaking to journalists ahead of the national demonstrations calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, Mr Stephens said he considers it one of his civic responsibilities to use language carefully and not stoke up community tensions.

Israel’s military is closing in on central Gaza City and its main al-Shifa Hospital, where Israel claims Hamas fighters have a command centre, raising questions about how Israel will interpret international laws on protection of medical facilities and the thousands of displaced people sheltering there.

Israel has not outlined its possible plans for the hospital but says its top priority is dismantling Hamas’ command infrastructure.

Combat engineers are using explosives to destroy tunnels in the Islamist group’s vast underground network, Israel says.

Any Israeli attempt to seize al-Shifa, where video this week showed doctors scrambling to treat an influx of injured people, would risk heavy civilian losses.

The Independent view: A reshuffle is approaching, and Mr Sunak could take advantage of that to retire Ms Braverman. A smart move would be to replace her with someone who has many of the same instincts as she has, but at least respects the conventions of the constitution and the independence of the courts and the police:

A pro-Palestinian protest on Armistice Day has divided public opinion, with some saying it is “absolutely appropriate” to call for a ceasefire in Gaza while others have said they are “very wary” to enter central London:

Nadine Dorries has said Suella Braverman “becomes a martyr for those on the right of the party” if Rishi Sunak sacks her.

She claimed that the people who lead the Conservative Party, who plotted against Boris Johnson, have been “grooming Kemi Badenoch for years”.

“They won’t allow Suella to succeed. She will never get there,” she said.

Ms Badenoch has met Israeli mothers whose children were kidnapped by Hamas last month.

Right-wing Tory MP Miriam Cates defended Suella Braverman, claiming she wasn’t defying Rishi Sunak.

Ms Cates said she was “reflecting very much the public mood”.

The Braverman ally told Times Radio: “I think most people would like to think that politicians are allowed to have independent thought. She has not in any way criticised government policy.

“She has not in any way undermined collective responsibility. She’s shown that she’s a free-thinking leader who has opinions.”

Westminster is awash with speculation that Michael Gove could become home secretary if Rishi Sunak decides to sack Suella Braverman.

The levelling-up secretary is said to be keen on one of the great offices of state before the likely election defeat to Labour next year.

Ex-Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson says Saturday’s pro-Palestinian march should be allowed to go ahead – regardless of Saturday being Armistice Day, and even though he personally finds it insensitive:

Northern Irish officials across the political divide have hit out at Suella Braverman for her apparent comparisons between the pro-Palestinian demonstrations and Orange Order marches:

Tory deputy chair Lee Anderson has defended Ms Braverman, and claimed she was “allowed” to criticise the police.

“She is allowed to comment on and criticise the Met Police. Anyone who thinks her comments are outrageous needs to get out more,” he told the Express.

The Common Sense Group run by Ms Braverman’s mentor John Hayes also defended her. The group’s deputy chairman Tom Hunt said: “I agree with the home secretary.”