Watchdog Criticizes Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman for Public Rebuke of Police Protest Handling

Watchdog rebukes Suella Braverman for publicly condemning protest policing

A study ordered by her while serving as home secretary indicates that the Conservative MP ought to have carefully considered the possibility of "any improper political interference" when she rebuked the Metropolitan Police for their management of pro-Palestinian protests.

Political correspondent @NifS

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 9:

Ex-home secretary Suella Braverman faced scrutiny from an oversight body for her open criticism of the Metropolitan Police's management of pro-Palestinian demonstrations in London.

In a critical piece published in the Times last November, a Conservative MP lambasted the police for what she described as "double standards" by permitting a march she labeled as "hate-filled" to proceed in London on Armistice Day. She argued that right-wing demonstrators typically receive a rigorous reaction from authorities, whereas pro-Palestinian groups were, in her view, "mostly overlooked."

The Metropolitan Police maintained their stance on allowing the march to proceed since it hadn't crossed the legal boundaries necessary for prohibition. However, the widespread outrage culminated in chaotic incidents, including a far-right demonstration at the Cenotaph, and led to the arrest of 140 individuals from both events.

Ms. Braverman, who was eventually dismissed by Rishi Sunak following her intensified critique, had previously commissioned a study on "activism and impartiality within the police force."

Upon its release on Tuesday, the publication criticized her approach, stating that her objections should have been raised privately.

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Head of police oversight Andy Cooke, who spearheaded the investigation, described the circumstances surrounding the Armistice Day demonstrations, and emphasized: "Both law enforcement agencies and political figures need to be vigilant against the possibility of inappropriate political involvement.

"This encompasses both the possibility of real interference or the impression of interference, regardless of whether this impression is correct. Typically, if such action is considered suitable, it ought to be carried out confidentially."

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Mr. Cooke noted the challenge in maintaining a careful equilibrium between the operational autonomy of chief constables and the demands for accountability and oversight.

He mentioned that high-ranking officials had described experiencing "inappropriate pressure or meddling from major political personalities," and the investigation revealed that "clear efforts to sway police operations threaten the neutrality of the force and could diminish confidence among the public."

The leading inspector urged top law enforcement officials, including police chiefs, commissioners, mayors, and senior political figures, to remain vigilant about the potential dangers of inappropriate political influence, whether it is real or merely suspected.

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The document additionally highlighted a situation concerning Mr. Sunak in which he expressed his dismay at how a Jewish individual was treated by a law enforcement officer during a video captured at a pro-Palestinian rally. However, he reversed his stance and supported the police nine days afterward when an extended version of the video surfaced, providing more context.

The report emphasized that it is crucial for high-ranking officials to thoroughly verify their information before delivering public remarks that might negatively influence how the public views the neutrality of the police.

A representative from the government stated, "Every day presents new challenges for our police officers who perform their duties bravely and impartially to ensure public safety. It's crucial that we provide them with the necessary support."

"The administration firmly backs the principle of operational autonomy, fundamental to our law enforcement framework. We are receptive to the findings of the report and are committed to collaborating with police authorities to explore the suggested recommendations."

The Conservative Party and Ms. Braverman were reached out to for their responses.

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