UK interior minister plans to restrict use of tents by homeless

LONDON (Reuters) – Britain’s interior minister Suella Braverman announced on Saturday her intention to propose new laws to restrict the use of tents by homeless individuals, expressing the belief that many of them view it as a “lifestyle choice”.

In a post on X, Braverman, who is considered a potential future leader of the governing Conservative Party, stated that the government will always provide support to those who are genuinely homeless.

“However, we cannot allow our streets to be overtaken by rows of tents occupied by people, including many from other countries, who choose to live on the streets,” she remarked.

Braverman argued that if the government does not take action, British cities will resemble places like San Francisco and Los Angeles in the U.S., where lenient policies have resulted in a surge of crime, drug abuse, and squalid conditions.

She explained that there are alternative options available for people who do not wish to sleep rough, and the government is collaborating with local authorities to enhance support.

“What I aim to put an end to, and what the law-abiding majority wants us to put an end to, is the behavior of those who cause disturbance and distress to others by setting up tents in public spaces, engaging in aggressive begging, stealing, taking drugs, littering, and plaguing our communities,” Braverman added.

Angela Rayner, the Labour Party’s deputy leader, criticized her remarks, stating on X: “Sleeping rough is not ‘a lifestyle choice’,” and attributed the increase in homelessness to 13 years of Conservative government.

The homelessness charity Shelter also expressed disapproval of Braverman’s comments.

“Let’s be clear: living on the streets is not a ‘lifestyle choice’ – it is a consequence of failed government policies,” it remarked on X.

The government’s upcoming legislative agenda will be outlined in the King’s Speech on Tuesday.

In September, Braverman called for a global reform of immigration policies, a topic likely to be significant in the upcoming general election in Britain, expected to occur next year.

This speech received criticism from human rights campaigners, opposition politicians, and even some members of her own party.

(Reporting by James Davey; Editing by Daniel Wallis)