Sunak appoints Cameron as Foreign Secretary and dismisses the Home Secretary
The repercussions of the Gaza war and the pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Britain intersected with the need to prepare for the elections expected next year, forcing the British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, to accelerate a cabinet reshuffle that removed Interior Minister Suella Braverman from the government, and returned former Prime Minister David Cameron to take over the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This is the latest maneuver by Sunak, whose party is far behind the Labor Party, ahead of the elections expected next year. Cameron’s return indicates that Sunak wants to attract more centrists and experienced people, rather than appease the right of his party, which supported Braverman.
The amendment also raises controversy, causing discord, divisions and disagreement over Britain’s exit from the European Union, which Cameron sparked by holding a referendum in 2016, despite his support for remaining in the bloc.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak outside his headquarters at 10 Downing Street in London on Monday (Reuters)
Cameron (57 years old) resigned from the position of Prime Minister in 2016, after losing in the “Brexit” referendum. He gave up his seat in Parliament in the same year. He was drowned in scandals in 2021 after he lobbied the British government on behalf of the “Greensill Capital” financial group, which later collapsed, in an event that dealt a major blow to his reputation.
Downing Street announced that Cameron would receive a lifetime peerage in the House of Lords, meaning he could hold a government position. The former prime minister said he “happily accepted” the position, while Britain faces “a range of difficult international challenges.” He added: “While I have been away from the front lines of politics for the last seven years, I hope that my experience as Conservative Leader for 11 years and Prime Minister for six years will enable me to help the Prime Minister confront these important challenges.”
Sunak was subjected to criticism from opposition lawmakers and demands from members of the ruling Conservative Party to remove Braverman, and then Sunak apparently implemented a cabinet reshuffle that was planned for a later date, to attract allies and get rid of ministers he felt were failing in their work. He was forced to take the step early when the controversial Braverman challenged him last week, in an unauthorized article, in which she accused the police of following a “double standard” in the protests.
The opposition Labor Party said this fueled tensions between a pro-Palestinian protest and another far-right protest on Saturday, resulting in the arrest of about 150 people.
Former Interior Minister Suella Braverman leaves her home in London on Monday (Reuters)
Braverman’s dismissal was not surprising; But Cameron’s appointment caused a shock in the Conservative Party, with more centrist lawmakers welcoming it and alienating some right-wingers who described his appointment as a surrender to the consequences of Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union.
Cameron said he was happy to take on his new role; Because in a time of global change, “there is almost nothing more important to this country than standing with our allies, strengthening our partnerships and making sure our voice is heard.”
Braverman was replaced by James Cleverly, the former Foreign Secretary. Cleverly is seen as reliable and wise, and he made a quick statement saying his new role was to “keep people safe in this country.”
Braverman controversial
Braverman said after her dismissal: “Being Secretary of the Interior has been the greatest privilege of my life… I will say more in due course.”
Braverman sparked controversy during her reign; It has taken a hard-line stance on immigration in particular, and has repeatedly addressed what are known as cultural wars, which are considered divisive among voters. But her position became more unacceptable after she wrote a controversial article in a newspaper last week, without Sunak’s approval, in which she accused the police of siding with left-wing causes.
New British Home Secretary James Cleverly leaving 10 Downing Street in London on Monday (EPA)
The article was held responsible for raising tension ahead of the weekend protests, which called for a ceasefire in Gaza, and coincided with the commemoration of “Armistice Day,” which sparked calls for her dismissal. Opponents reported that her statements encouraged right-wing extremist protesters to organize counter-demonstrations on the sidelines of the main march on Saturday, which led to dozens of arrests.
Downing Street launched an investigation into how the article was published without his consent, as required by the ministerial code. Braverman’s statements, which were received by the right wing of the ruling Conservative Party, were considered an attempt to market herself as a future conservative leader. It comes after she described the marches calling for a ceasefire in Gaza as “hate marches,” days after she indicated that some “choose (homelessness) as a way of life.” The right-wing politician attacked her opponents, whom she described as “tofu eaters who follow the wok culture,” while she indicated shortly after her appointment that sending asylum seekers to Rwanda was a “dream” and “obsession” for her.
After her exclusion, Braverman’s interest may focus on preparing for a possible future race for party leadership, if the Conservatives lose – as opinion polls indicate – the elections expected to be held next year.
Sunak strengthens his team
The changes made by Sunak are part of the first major reshuffle among the most prominent ministers since he took office in October last year. The conservatives, who have been in power for about 14 years, said that the changes “strengthen his team in government to implement long-term decisions, for a brighter future.” The new decisions that will be announced during the day are expected to reward loyalists and younger rising MPs, at a time when the party is striving to gain popularity.
Labor has consistently led by around 20 points in opinion polls, and Sunak has failed to close this gap.
Labor has described Sunak as weak since Braverman’s article was published on Wednesday. Opposition lawmakers said desperation was what prompted the decision to appoint Cameron.
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2023-11-13 18:56:24
