“Whichever cupboard you open, you know all sorts of terrible things that have been crammed in there for years will fall out.” This analogy from a former Home Office minister perfectly captures the immense pressure facing Home Secretary Yvette Cooper as she deals with a series of challenging issues.
Cooper’s desk is overflowing with some of the UK’s most complex and emotionally charged matters, from the ongoing grooming gangs scandal and the mishandling of the Southport murders to a tense dispute with police forces warning of necessary cuts despite receiving extra government funding. Her decisions impact national security, from countering terrorism to managing immigration and safeguarding borders.
With Labour now in power for some time, Cooper is under growing pressure to deliver results. The urgency is palpable, and many within the government acknowledge that her portfolio is “simply vast,” with emerging issues like dangerous Channel crossings and the rising use of AI in creating illegal child abuse content. The latter has seen a staggering 380% increase in just one year, with Cooper promising new laws to address the crisis in the coming weeks.
Known for her methodical and thorough approach, Cooper has long been seen as an expert in the Home Office, having previously chaired the Home Affairs Committee and served as shadow Home Secretary. However, despite her experience, the challenges keep multiplying. One such issue is the failure to secure an agreement with France to take back migrants. On the political front, she faces criticism from both the right and left: the right for abandoning the Rwanda deportation plan, and the left for maintaining some of the former government’s policies, such as restricting migrants’ access to modern slavery protection.
Labour’s pledge to halve violence against women and girls has also faced scrutiny, with a National Audit Office report questioning the Home Office’s understanding of the problem. In response, Cooper has remained a pragmatic, low-profile figure, focusing on action rather than headlines. “She’s a quiet doer,” says one source.
The pressure on Cooper is undeniable. Critics argue she has been slow to respond to the grooming gangs scandal, initially resisting calls for a national inquiry before conceding to a “national audit.” There are also doubts about her plans to tackle small boat crossings. While there has been a decrease in arrivals, critics say her measures don’t go far enough. However, Home Office sources maintain that progress is being made.
Despite the challenges, Cooper’s role remains crucial to the safety and security of the UK. As one former Home Secretary noted, “It’s not the ministry of fun, but it is doable.” Labour’s success in the coming years may well depend on Cooper’s ability to navigate these complex issues and secure public trust.
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