Boris Johnson burka comments - latest: Dominic Grieve says he would leave Conservative Party if former foreign secretary becomes leader
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Boris Johnson is facing mounting calls to apologise for his comments about Muslim women who wear the niqab.
The former foreign secretary said wearers of the veil "look like letterboxes" and resemble "a bank robber", adding that the garment was "absolutely ridiculous".
Dominic Grieve, the former attorney general, called the comments "very embarrassing" and said he would leave the Conservative Party if Mr Johnson became leader.
Ruth Davidson also added her voice to the backlash, calling Mr Johnson's claims "gratuitously offensive" and demanding he apologise.
Theresa May and Brandon Lewis, the Tory chairman, also called for an apology, while opposition MPs accused Mr Johnson of Islamophobia.
Conservative peer Lord Sheikh, the former of the Conservative Muslim Forum, said he had asked the party to take "severe action" and remove the whip from Mr Johnson.
Former Green Party leader, Natalie Bennett has weighed in on Boris Johnson's comments.
That's the end of The Independent's live coverage as the pressure continues to mount on Boris Johnson. Head to our homepage to read more on the latest developments.
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