Ukip leader Paul Nuttall says UK should ban burqa
Face veils present ‘security issues’, Ukip leader argues
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.Banning the burqa is among the first policies Paul Nuttall has suggested implementing since his election as Ukip leader
On his first day in the job, Paul Nuttall has argued face veils for Muslim women should be banned in Britain, due to ‘security issues’.
Speaking after the leadership election, which he won with 62.6 per cent of the votes cast by party members, Mr Nuttall questioned whether there was ‘any place’ for women who wore burqas in the UK.
He told Channel 5 news: “We have to ask the question whether a woman living behind the veil has any place in 21st century Britain.”
Asked if she should not wear a veil even if it was her choice, he replied: “Even if it’s her choice. You have to look at the other issues surrounding security, because whether we like it or not we are the most watched people in the world. There’s more CCTV in Britain per head than anywhere else on the planet. And for CCTV to be effective you need to see people’s faces.”
Mr Nuttall has previously advocated such a ban, though not just on security grounds. Last year, he applauded groups who were campaigning to have the veil banned in European countries and told the Express: “Should we follow this and ban the burqa in this country? Yes. Personally, I think this is about civility, not religion.”
He added: “The law should be clear - either you are allowed to express your religious beliefs at all times, or you accept that there are some occasions where these are restricted. Face coverings should be banned in any public building.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments