MPs reject Yvette Cooper’s proposal to compel the prime minister to disclose the security advice he received before the home secretary’s reappointment.
Labour has attempted to compel the government to “come clean” and provide any advice offered to the prime minister over Suella Braverman’s reappointment as home secretary.
Rishi Sunak reinstated her six days after she resigned from Liz Truss’ cabinet for violating security regulations and the ministerial code.
Ms. Braverman then disclosed that during her six weeks in office, she had sent official material to her device six times.
She has refuted reports that she disregarded legal advice regarding the treatment of those who crossed the English Channel in small boats or that she prevented asylum seekers from being relocated to hotels when processing centers got overloaded.
In addition, allegations have surfaced that she was the subject of Cabinet Office leak investigations when she was attorney general.
Mr. Sunak defended his selection of Ms. Braverman, stating that she had accepted her errors and was welcome to return to the front bench.
Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper introduced a motion in the House of Commons to attempt to compel the prime minister to share with the legislature any relevant government security and risk assessments regarding Ms. Braverman’s alleged leaks and security breaches, as well as any information provided to him before her reappointment.
However, it was defeated in a vote of 300 votes to 208.
Ms. Cooper opened the debate by stating, “Fifteen days have passed since the prime minister appointed his new cabinet, and fourteen days have passed since it was reported that the prime minister was advised not to reappoint certain ministers, including the home secretary, due to standards and security concerns.
“The prime minister stated this would be a departure from his predecessors, the culture of favoritism, and the disarray, yet the reverse has occurred.”
However, Paymaster General Jeremy Quin criticized her for focusing on “rumors and speculation” rather than problems within her remit, such as immigration and law enforcement.
“The home secretary has described in great detail the events and circumstances that led to her resignation,” he said. “She has indicated that she erred in judgment, acknowledged her mistakes, and accepted responsibility for her conduct.
“The prime minister obtained assurances from [Ms. Braverman], and he was certain that [she] had acknowledged her mistake and accepted the repercussions. He believed the situation to be resolved.
“The prime minister was thrilled to be able to bring the home secretary back into government with her undeniable passion and dedication and to be working with her to make our streets safer and to control our borders.”
The vote in the House of Commons occurred at a time when Mr. Sunak was under increasing pressure regarding his judgment regarding another cabinet appointee, Sir Gavin Williamson, who has been accused of sending abusive texts to a former chief whip and intimidating a senior civil servant.
