Suella Braverman sacked as home secretary by Rishi Sunak after pro-Palestine march row
Rishi Sunak has caused a political sensation by firing Suella Braverman and recalling former prime minister David Cameron as foreign secretary.
In one of the most extraordinary twists in recent British political history, Mr Sunak sacked Ms Braverman after claims that she incited violent protests by far right thugs at the Cenotaph.
He gave her job as home secretary to former foreign secretary James Cleverly and replaced him with Mr Cameron, who was forced to resign as PM in 2016 after losing the EU referendum.
Both moves are a massive gamble by Mr Sunak.
In order to put Mr Cameron – who quit the Commons seven years ago – in charge of foreign affairs, Mr Sunak had to award him a life peerage, risking claims that he has flouted the democratic process.
Mr Sunak now faces the threat of a full scale revolt from the Tory right, who backed Ms Braverman’s provocative comments on “hateful” pro-Palestinian protestors that led to her dismissal. And Brexit hardliners will be outraged by the shock political comeback of arch Remainer Mr Cameron.
Key Points
Show latest update
Cameron won’t be accountable, Tory MP complains
Tory MP Sir Michael Fabricant has complained that David Cameron “won’t be accountable to MPs other than before a select committee” – noting that he will not be allowed to make statements, answer urgent questions, or take part in foreign office questions in the Commons.
Adam Forrest13 November 2023 11:51
‘New Conservatives’ could meet to discuss Braverman leadership bid, source claims
There are rumours in Whitehall of a meeting of the “New Conservatives” group later today, with a Suella Braverman leadership bid strategy on the agenda, a senior Conservative source has told Sky News.
Andy Gregory13 November 2023 11:40
Cleverly asked whether he wants to distance himself from Braverman rhetoric
The new home secretary James Cleverly has been asked whether he wants to distance himself from the language of his predecessor Suella Braverman.
He told broadcasters: “Well, I intend to do this job in the way I feel best protects the British people and our interests.
“I have had a very good conversation with the Prime Minister, who had made it very clear that he wants us to deliver on our promises to stop the boats, to protect the British people, make sure everybody feels secure in their lives.”
Andy Gregory13 November 2023 11:28
Cleverly ‘committed to stopping the boats’
New home secretary James Cleverly has said he would be “committed” to “stopping the boats”.
Speaking to broadcasters after being moved from the foreign secretary post, he said it had been a “huge privilege” to hold that role.
He said: “In that time I worked very closely with my colleagues in the Home Office, cracking down on illegal migration, reducing the number of small boats arrivals, and now as the home secretary I am absolutely committed to stopping the boats as we promised, but also making sure that everybody in the UK feels safe and secure going about their daily business knowing that the government is here to protect them.
“It is a real privilege to serve.”
Andy Gregory13 November 2023 11:24
Cameron return ‘shows how tired Tory government is’, says Mhairi Black
The return of the “architect of 13 years of Tory austerity cuts” shows “how tired this Tory government is”, the SNP has said.
The party’s Westminster deputy leader Mhairi Black said: “The fact that Rishi Sunak has had to resurrect David Cameron shows how tired this Tory government is.
“People in Scotland will be appalled that the architect of thirteen years of Tory austerity cuts, and the disastrous Brexit referendum, is back in government.’’
Andy Gregory13 November 2023 11:14
Transport minister quits
Jesse Norman, the MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire, said he has quit as a minister in the Department for Transport.
“It has been a great honour to serve in successive governments since 2016,” Mr Norman said in a letter to Rishi Sunak.
“Thank you for the calm, focused and long-term leadership you have given this country over the past year.”
Andy Gregory13 November 2023 11:12
Cleverly opposed government plans to use RAF base in his own constituency to house asylum-seekers
The new home secretary has previously fought against government plans to use a former RAF base in his Braintree constituency to house asylum-seekers, our social affairs correspondent Holly Bancroft reports.
James Cleverly took to Facebook in March to reassure constituents that he had told the immigration minister that it was not appropriate accommodation.
“I highlighted the remote nature of the site, the limited transport infrastructure and narrow road network and that these factors would mean the site wasn’t appropriate for asylum accommodation,” he wrote.
After the home office confirmed that the site would be used anyway, he reiterated his opposition to the plan, saying: “I have made my views on the site clear from the beginning.”
Andy Gregory13 November 2023 11:11
Braverman’s most controversial moments as she is sacked as home secretary
Suella Braverman’s most controversial moments as she is sacked as home secretary
Andy Gregory13 November 2023 11:05
New home secretary in favour of staying in the European Court of Human Rights
Our social affairs correspondent Holly Bancroft reports:
By bringing in James Cleverly as home secretary, prime minister Rishi Sunak has avoided a clash with Suella Braverman on what to do next if flights to Rwanda are grounded on Wednesday. Ms Braverman had been in favour of leaving the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), a move popular with the hard right of the Conservative Party.
Mr Sunak reportedly disagreed with this and Ms Braverman was apparently considering resigning on principle on the issue if the Supreme Court judges ruled against the government.
Mr Cleverly, who was previously foreign secretary, has said he is “not convinced” that leaving the ECHR is necessary to ensure the UK’s tough approach to immigration. He told The Guardian in April that the UK should not wish to join Belarus and Russia, the only European countries outside the ECHR.
He defended the UK’s ability to influence and make changes within the ECHR, saying: “We are a serious player on the world stage.”
Andy Gregory13 November 2023 11:03
Rees-Mogg: Sunak has made a mistake by sacking Suella Braverman
Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg has said Rishi Sunak made a mistake by sacking Suella Braverman, fuelling fears he will face a revolt from right-wing Tory MPs.
The former business secretary said Ms Braverman “understands what the country thinks about migration” and was “committed to delivering something that the country thinks is important”.
“From the point of view of the Conservatives winning the next election, today is a mistake because Suella understood what the British voter thought and was trying to do something about it,” he told GB News.
On the return of David Cameron, Sir Jacob added: “David Cameron got the Brexit issue wrong in terms of the Conservative Party and indeed the country at large who voted to leave but he did give us the choice to have the vote.”
Archie Mitchell13 November 2023 11:02