Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A DWP minister who said in 2011 that she supported the reintroduction of executions has been evasive on whether she still supports the punishment.
Priti Patel, who David Cameron appointed as employment minister at the Department for Work and Pensions, appeared on Sky News this morning to discuss employment figures.
When asked whether she stood by her belief in the reintroduction of capital punishment, Ms Patel said she did not believe the question was relevant but refused to confirm or deny her views.
“I’ve been asked about this previously on a number of occasions as well. I made a comment a long time ago and said it would only be appropriate, back then, so not now, when we have the most horrendous and heinous crimes,” she said.
“This is not something that’s relevant to today’s political debate or discourse at all. I’m very much focused in my job as employment minister supporting what we do, continuing what we do, when it comes to growing our economy and getting more people back into work.”
Pressed on her views, she replied:
“I made the point back then when I was asked a question in terms with the content in which I felt it would be relevant. It is not relevant to today’s political debate and the subject that I’m here to discuss with you.”
Ms Patel will have responsibility for the Work Programme, employment, unemployment, and Jobcentre Plus.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments