Prime Minister Disregards Home Secretary’s Offensive Comments on Multiculturalism

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has praised the UK’s “fantastic multicultural democracy” in an apparent rejection of controversial remarks made by the home secretary.

He also declined to endorse Suella Braverman’s claims that multiculturalism has “failed” in Europe and poses a threat to social cohesion in the nation.

During a series of regional media interviews following Mrs. Braverman’s tough speech on immigration in Washington DC, Mr. Sunak avoided questions about his support for her comments.

When asked by BBC East Midlands political editor Tony Roe if he agreed with Mrs. Braverman, the prime minister stated, “I think that is one incredible thing about this country – that it is a fantastic multicultural democracy.

“We have successfully integrated people into our society, and one of the wonderful things about my position as the first person from my background to hold this role is that it is not a big deal in our country.

“I believe this speaks to the progress we have made and the pride we should all collectively feel.”

The home secretary expressed concerns about the “existential threat” of uncontrolled immigration and called for reform of international refugee regulations.

She argued that the “misguided dogma of multiculturalism” had “failed” because it allowed individuals to lead separate lives within society.

Mrs. Braverman suggested that this had resulted in actions aiming to undermine social stability and security.

Mr. Sunak, the first British prime minister of Indian heritage, faced multiple questions about Mrs. Braverman’s statements during a series of regional interviews before the upcoming Tory conference.

When asked if the home secretary was mistaken, Mr. Sunak stated that it is “important for everyone to embrace British values” and that he believes the country has done an exceptional job of integrating individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Pundits in Westminster suggested that Mrs. Braverman’s speech in Washington was intended to appeal to the right-wing of the Conservative Party in case Mr. Sunak leads the party to defeat in the next general election.

However, Mrs. Braverman, whose parents immigrated from Mauritius and Kenya, described these suggestions as “somewhat frivolous” and insisted that she was working closely with Mr. Sunak.

Some Conservative MPs, including Tobias Ellwood, criticized her remarks. He told ITV’s Robert Peston that they were “clearly intended for a specific audience and do not benefit the prime minister.”

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, on the other hand, defended Mrs. Braverman’s assertion that multiculturalism has failed, saying, “What she was discussing is the importance of integrating people who come to our communities, and I think that is a valid point.”

Ms. Frazer was reminded that her own ancestors were immigrants to the UK, to which she responded, “They came because they were fleeing persecution in other countries and they integrated into our society.

“I believe what she is referring to is the scale of immigration.”

A spokesperson for the Labour Party criticized the prime minister’s response to Mrs. Braverman’s comments, calling it “embarrassing.”

The spokesperson stated, “Weak Rishi Sunak has permitted his home secretary to travel around the world conveying messages to some of our closest allies with which he does not agree.

“It is official: his premiership is not just tired, it is obsolete. This is not just embarrassing; it is detrimental to Britain, and they should call an election immediately.”