UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman, of Indian origin, stirred controversy with her comments, referring to living on the streets as a “lifestyle choice,” particularly for some British residents, including many from abroad.
Minister Braverman shared her apprehension on a social media platform, articulating, “The British populace is known for their compassion. We stand ready to assist those truly experiencing homelessness. However, we cannot tolerate our streets being dominated by lines of tents, inhabited by individuals, many of whom are from foreign backgrounds, who have chosen street living as a preferred lifestyle.”
Her comments were made in the context of the increasing number of homeless individuals living in tents on the streets. She worried that UK cities might face a situation similar to San Francisco and Los Angeles, where a high homeless population living on the streets has contributed to rising crime rates.
Braverman emphasized the need for intervention to prevent British cities from experiencing the challenges witnessed in certain US cities. She warned, “Unless immediate action is taken, British cities may face challenges similar to cities in the United States, such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, where ineffective policies have resulted in a surge in crime, drug use, and deteriorating living conditions.”
Through a series of tweets, Braverman outlined the government’s active efforts to support individuals experiencing homelessness and struggling with substance abuse issues. She stressed, “No one in Britain should have to live in a tent on the streets. We have options for those who wish to avoid rough sleeping, and we are collaborating with local authorities to enhance comprehensive support, including treatment for individuals with drug and alcohol dependencies.”
She further underlined her objective, stating, “My aim is to put an end to behaviors that cause inconvenience and distress to the public, such as setting up tents in public areas, aggressive begging, theft, drug use, littering, and negatively impacting our communities—a goal that aligns with the wishes of the law-abiding majority.”
