Now The Blob Bites Ships: ‘Embarrassed’ Public Officials File Scores Of Complaints About Suella Braverman’s Illegal Immigration Bill, With One Suggesting It Breaks The Law
Interior Ministry officials yesterday filed a spate of complaints about Suella Braverman’s new asylum policy, with one suggesting it violates international law.
A slew of anonymous negative comments came during an online question-and-answer session for department officials.
One said they were “embarrassed and embarrassed” by the measures in the Illegal Migration Bill, which set out earlier this week how all Canal migrants would be detained and disqualified from seeking asylum.
Another wrote: “At what point are senior Home Office officials willing to say that breaking international law is not consistent with the civil service code or our values and that we as staff should not be expected to do so?” in our work?”
A third claimed they were struggling to balance “my own personal ethical convictions” with the “rhetoric and policies” of the Home Secretary.
Interior Ministry officials filed a spate of complaints yesterday about Suella Braverman’s (pictured in a blue suit) new asylum policy, with one suggesting it violates international law. A slew of anonymous negative comments came during an online question-and-answer session for department officials.
Dave Penman (pictured), leader of the FDA civil service union, accused Ms Braverman of a “cowardly attack”.
The civil service code says workers must “serve the government, whatever their political beliefs” and not allow “personal political views” to influence their work.
A Home Office spokesman said: ‘As a department, we always encourage the free exchange of ideas and would like to thank all colleagues who have been involved in the preparations for the introduction of the Illegal Migration Bill.
“While we appreciate that there can be a range of views on government policy, all civil servants are bound by the civil service code and its core values – integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality – and it is key that this is adhered to. at all times. ‘
It came amid a dispute over an email to Tory supporters by Ms Braverman’s name that said an “activist blur of left-wing lawyers, civil servants and the Labor Party” had “blocked” earlier attempts. to address illegal immigration.
The email from the Conservative Central Office (CCHQ) was resent five minutes later with the passage removed.
Dave Penman, leader of the FDA officials union, accused Ms Braverman of a “cowardly attack”.
He wrote to Rishi Sunak to complain that the email was ‘factually incorrect’ and amounted to a ‘direct attack on the integrity and impartiality’ of public officials.
Mike Clancy, head of the Prospect civil servants’ union, also wrote to the Prime Minister demanding that he “take action” on the message.
He said: “Blaming public servants in this way without foundation and without following due process is, we believe, violating the ministerial code and playing politics with those who dedicate themselves to serving the Government of the day, and it is completely unacceptable.”
Downing Street said Ms Braverman “did not see, sign or sanction” the email.
The prime minister’s press secretary said: “Obviously there would have to be ministerial approval generally on things where his name is included or appears in his name, but in this case the procedure was not followed.”
A Tory party spokesman said it was reviewing its internal clearance processes. Ms Braverman said of the message: “It really was a mistake that was sent.”