British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak appointed former Prime Minister David Cameron as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on Monday in a surprising move amidst a cabinet reshuffle. In his first statements following the unexpected appointment, Cameron expressed hope that his experience as Prime Minister from 2010 to 2016 would aid him in addressing current international challenges.
On the same day, Sunak dismissed Suella Braverman from her position as Home Secretary after she wrote an article accusing the police of applying double standards regarding the pro-Palestinian demonstrations. According to British media, Sunak's decision to dismiss Braverman came as he is making changes to his team ahead of the anticipated general elections next year.
Braverman faced accusations of exacerbating tensions through an article she wrote last week in The Times, where she criticized the Metropolitan Police for their double standards in handling different protests based on political affiliation. Sunak has been under increasing pressure to remove Braverman, as her critics have blamed her for inflaming tensions during weeks of pro-Palestinian demonstrations and counter-protests in Britain.
On Sunday evening, Braverman intensified her calls for further action against the pro-Palestine protesters. She stated that "it is essential to take more action against the protests that have sullied the streets of London with hatred, violence, and anti-Semitism," considering that "anti-Semitism and other forms of racism, along with the amplification of terrorism on this scale, are deeply concerning." However, Braverman's article drew sharp criticism toward the police's actions, writing, "Right-wing and nationalist protesters engaging in hostile acts are met with a stern response, but the pro-Palestinian rioters displaying nearly identical behavior are largely ignored, even when they clearly violate the law."
