Yousaf accuses Braverman of ‘stoking fires’

Yousaf has taken aim at former home secretary Suella Braverman, accusing her of stoking “the fires of racial and religious tensions for self-serving purposes” in the wake of chaotic scenes at this week’s Gaza ceasefire vote.

Writing in yesterday’s Daily Telegraph, Ms Braverman said the events in the House of Common son wednesday had “undermined the integrity of Parliament”, adding: “The truth is that the Islamists, the extremists and the antisemites are in charge now.”

Her comment comes with nearly 70 MPS, more than a tenth of the Commons, having signed a motion proposed by senior Conservative William Wragg expressing no confidence in Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle after Wednesday’s SNP Opposition Day vote descended into chaos.

Sir Lindsay has come in for intense criticism of his handling of a Gaza ceasefire debate in which he allowed a Labour amendment to be heard in a decision that sidelined a separate SNP proposal.

But Mr Yousaf took to social media to instead attack Ms Braverman, describing her as “the worst of politicians”.

“[Braverman is] an individual who deliberately stokes the fires of racial and religious tensions for self-serving purposes, with no regard to the greater societal damage she is doing,” Mr Yousaf posted on X.

“The very definition of a scorched earth policy. Shameful.”

It comes as Home Secretary James Cleverly – who replaced Ms Braverman – said he did not “always agree with everything” his predecessor said.

“But it is absolutely the case that we must make sure that we crack down on extremhumza ist behaviour, it’s absolutely the case that we must not let our democracy be distorted through fear or intimidation,” he added.

Mr Cleverly separately gave his personal backing to Sir Lindsay despite criticism of his handling of a Gaza ceasefire debate.

Mr Cleverly told Sky News on Friday: “I think the Speaker has done a fantastic job. I think he’s been a breath of fresh air compared with his predecessor.

“He made a mistake. He’s apologised for the mistake. My view is that I’m supportive of him.”

Mr Cleverly stressed it was his personal view because the selection of the Speaker was “House business” rather than for government ministers to decide.

Rishi Sunak reiterated his view that Sir Lindsay’s choice over the Gaza debate was “concerning”, but suggested he was willing to draw a line under the episode.