Braverman’s statement “clear breach of Ministerial Code”, says FDA
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FDA General Secretary Dave Penman has written to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak following a communication sent to Conservative Party members from Home Secretary Suella Braverman.
In the communication, which was in regard to the government’s announcement on small boat crossings, the Home Secretary said: “But an activist blob of left-wing lawyers, civils servants and the Labour Party blocked us.”
The letter reads: “I am sure I do not need to remind you that Paragraph 5.1 of the Ministerial Code states that “ministers must uphold the political impartiality of the civil service”. I cannot see how the Home Secretary’s statement to Conservative Party members can be reconciled with her obligations under the code.
“As Prime Minister and Minister for the Civil Service I would be grateful if you could ensure that this statement is publicly withdrawn as a matter of urgency and an apology made to all Home Office civil servants from the Home Secretary.”
FDA General Secretary Dave Penman said: “Not only is the Home Secretary’s cowardly attack on the impartiality and integrity of the civil service a transparent attempt to deflect from her government’s own policy failings, but it is also a clear breach of the Ministerial Code.
“We know that the issue of small boat crossings has previously resulted in violent clashes with protesters and Braverman’s message risks further stoking tensions. It’s extraordinary that a Home Secretary would issue such a careless and factually incorrect statement.
“This statement must be withdrawn immediately, followed by an apology to all Home Office civil servants from the Home Secretary.”
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