Suella Braverman says being gay or a woman is not enough to claim asylum

Suella Braverman used a speech in the US to say that “simply being gay, or a woman” should not by itself be enough to gain protection under international refugee laws.

The home secretary told the American Enterprise Institute in Washington DC: “Let me be clear, there are vast swathes of the world where it is extremely difficult to be gay, or to be a woman. Where individuals are being persecuted, it is right that we offer sanctuary.”

She added: “But we will not be able to sustain an asylum system if in effect simply being gay, or a woman, and fearful of discrimination in your country of origin is sufficient to qualify for protection.”