Suella Braverman

Nine legal and faith organisations have complained to the Bar Standards Board (BSB) about Ms Braverman, who is a qualified barrister but has not practised since 2015.

According to The Guardian, the groups include the Society of Asian Lawyers, the Association of Muslim Lawyers and the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI).

Their letter to the BSB focuses on Ms Braverman’s comments about grooming gangs, which she said were predominantly British-Pakistani men who “hold cultural values totally at odds with British values”, and about asylum seekers, including her claim that 100 million want to come to the UK and there is an “invasion” of asylum seekers crossing the Channel who have “heightened levels of criminality”.

“These comments are not only highly inaccurate and offensive, but they also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to a climate of hate and prejudice,” the letter states.

“As a member of the legal profession, Ms Braverman should be held to a high standard of professionalism and ethical conduct. Her statements not only undermine the integrity of the legal profession, but they also have the potential to damage the reputation of the UK as a tolerant and inclusive society.”

The groups believe that Ms Braverman’s remarks contradict conduct rules instructing barristers not to behave in a way which is likely to diminish trust and confidence, to act with honesty and integrity, and not to discriminate unlawfully against any person.

The letter adds: “It is our view that Ms Braverman’s comments incite violence against the British Pakistani and Muslim community as well as refugee communities, fuelling racist sentiments and discriminatory narratives.”

The BSB said it does not comment on individual complaints.