Braverman faces backlash following Pride flag attack

Former home secretary has been condemned by own party

- KATE DEVLIN, ARCHIE MITCHELL

Suella Braverman is facing a backlash after launching an extraordinary attack on the LGBT+ community, describing government buildings flying rainbow flags as “occupied territory”.

In a speech to burnish her leadership credentials with the Tory right, the ex-home secretary said the Progress version of the Pride flag represented “a horrible political campaign I disagreed with” and described trying to have it removed from her Marsham Street office. And, in the incendiary speech, she said the flag symbolised support for “the mutilation of children in our hospitals”, something which she said “physically repulsed” her.

Former Labour culture secretary Ben Bradshaw said: “Suella Braverman reveals the true face of the Tory right with her bitter fury about LGBT people. We exist. Get over it.” And Labour MP Stella Creasy said: “Everyone has to stand up to this bile polluting our politics, not just Tories who get to vote in the contest, because equality benefits and liberates us all.”

Ms Braverman has also faced criticism from her own party, with former candidate and LBC presenter Iain Dale tweeting: “What a disgusting speech. And she seriously thinks she has a chance of leading the Conservative party. Not while I have a breath left in my body. Moderate Conservatives need to stand up and be counted. This will not stand.”