UK premier clears home secretary of breaching ministerial code over speeding row

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) – British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Wednesday that Home Secretary Suella Braverman's "handling of speeding" did not breach ministerial rules and that there is no need for an investigation into the matter.

Sunak stated in a letter to Braverman that the overspeed ticket is not a breach of the ministerial code.

​​​​​​​"My decision is that these matters do not amount to a breach of the ministerial code," he added.

Sunak said he had consulted with his independent ethics adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, who advised him that "on this occasion, further investigation is not necessary," and that he had "accepted that advice."

The prime minister also noted that while the action could have been taken to avoid "the perception of impropriety,” he was, nevertheless, reassured that Braverman had "expressed regret."

"As you have recognised, a better course of action could have been taken to avoid giving rise to the perception of impropriety. Nevertheless, I am reassured you take these matters seriously. You have provided a thorough account, apologised and expressed regret," the premier added.

The Sunak had been under pressure to launch an investigation into claims that the home secretary last year asked civil servants to arrange a private one-to-one speed awareness course for her.​​​​​​​