UK’s interior minister under fire over speeding claims

666

LONDON (AFP) – United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Rishi Sunak yesterday faced questions over Interior Minister Suella Braverman after reports she asked civil servants to arrange for her penalty driving course for speeding to be done in private. 

Sunak said he did not know the “full details” of the case but a spokeswoman for his Downing Street office later said he “of course” had confidence in his controversial minister. 

Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Home Secretary Suella Braverman. PHOTO AP

The Sunday Times reported that Braverman asked Home Office officials to help set up a one-to-one driving awareness course after she was caught speeding last year. Her request was refused.

The opposition Labour party said Braverman may have breached the ministerial code, a resigning matter, for asking the civil service to help deal with a private matter.

Braverman, whose hardline rhetoric on immigration frequently stirs controversy, has yet to respond to the specific claims.

But her spokesman said, “Mrs Braverman accepts that she was speeding last summer and regrets doing so. She took the three points (on her licence) and paid the fine last year.”