Rishi Sunak distances himself from Home Secretary's claim that rough sleeping is a "lifestyle choice"

Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, has distanced himself from Home Secretary Suella Braverman's controversial comment that rough sleeping is sometimes a "lifestyle choice". During a visit to the Bacton Gas Terminal in Norfolk, Sunak refused to label the remark as "offensive". However, he emphasized the government's commitment to tackling homelessness and rough sleeping, pledging an investment of £2 billion over the next few years. Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho also distanced herself from Braverman's statement, highlighting the complex and varied reasons that lead to homelessness.

Government's commitment to tackling homelessness

During a visit to the Bacton Gas Terminal in Norfolk, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak addressed the controversial comment made by Home Secretary Suella Braverman, stating that rough sleeping is sometimes a "lifestyle choice". Sunak refrained from labeling the remark as "offensive", but made it clear that he does not want anyone to sleep rough on the streets. He announced that the government is investing £2 billion over the next few years to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping. Sunak acknowledged that more needs to be done to ensure that nobody has to sleep rough on the streets.

Complexity of homelessness

Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho also distanced herself from Braverman's statement, emphasizing the complexity of the issue of homelessness. Coutinho, who has previously worked with homeless individuals, expressed that the reasons people become homeless are multifaceted and varied. She cautioned against using the language of "lifestyle choice" when discussing homelessness. Coutinho's remarks shed light on the nuanced nature of the issue and the need for comprehensive solutions.

Controversial plans to ban homeless people from sleeping in tents

Suella Braverman sparked controversy with her announcement of plans to ban homeless people from sleeping in tents on the street. The ban is set to be established as a civil offense, with charities potentially facing fines for distributing tents if they are deemed to have caused a nuisance. Politicians from across party lines and charities have criticized the move, arguing that the focus should be on building more affordable homes and providing support for those with complex needs.

Home Secretary defends wider plan to end rough sleeping

Despite the backlash, Suella Braverman defended the ban on homeless people sleeping in tents, stating that it is part of a wider plan to end rough sleeping. She assured that the government will continue to support those who are genuinely homeless. However, Braverman reiterated her stance that the streets should not be taken over by rows of tents occupied by people, many of whom are from abroad, and view rough sleeping as a "lifestyle choice".