Latest: Brown’s views on the news

ON CHARLOTTESVILLE:

“As the President has said, the Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation into the car attack that killed one innocent American and wounded 20 others. Those who acted criminally in the racist violence in Charlottesville should be held fully accountable. I have been on the record for decades speaking out against racism and violence and I continue to condemn the violence we saw in Charlottesville.”

ON THE WHITE HOUSE STAFF TURNOVER:

“There is always a natural turnover and it is up to the President to assemble the team he feels most comfortable with. As you know, I am not in DC, so I don’t know all the ins and outs of staffing in the Administration. General [John] Kelly is doing a great job and will handle the admin in the White House. I’m focused on doing the job that the President has given me to do, and when I ask for support, I get it immediately.”

ON TRUMP’S BANNING OF TRANSGENDER PEOPLE IN THE MILITARY POLICY:

“I was actually instrumental in reversing the ‘don’t ask don’t tell’ policy to allow gay people to serve in the US military. The most important thing is how does a policy or decision affect the mission of the military. It is my understanding that there will be a review process. I know the senators making the decisions, I know they will look at how a change affects the military. Once the analysis is done, a decision will be made.”

Brown once said this: “When a soldier answers the call to serve and risks life or limb, it has never mattered to me whether they are gay or straight. What matters is whether their service and sacrifice is

with pride and honour.”