Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has distanced himself from Home Secretary Suella Braverman's recent statement that rough sleeping is sometimes a "lifestyle choice." During a visit to the Bacton Gas Terminal in Norfolk, Sunak refused to comment on whether he found the remark offensive. Instead, he emphasized the government's commitment to tackling homelessness and rough sleeping, stating that they are investing £2 billion over the next few years to address the issue.

Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho Also Disagrees with the Comment

Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho has joined Sunak in distancing herself from Braverman's controversial statement. Coutinho, who has worked in social justice prior to entering Parliament, believes that the reasons behind homelessness are complex and varied. She stated that she wouldn't use the language of "lifestyle choice" to describe the situation.

Plans to Ban Homeless People Sleeping in Tents Receive Backlash

Suella Braverman faced criticism after announcing plans to ban homeless people from sleeping in tents on the street. The ban, set to be established as a civil offense, has sparked concerns among charities and politicians. They argue that addressing homelessness requires a focus on building more affordable homes and providing support for those with complex needs.

Home Secretary Defends the Ban

Despite the backlash, Suella Braverman defended the ban on homeless people sleeping in tents. She stated that it is part of a broader plan to end rough sleeping and reiterated the government's commitment to supporting those who are genuinely homeless. However, she also emphasized the need to prevent streets from being occupied by rows of tents, particularly by people from abroad who choose to live on the streets.