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UKIP call to ban burka

Sunday, 17th January 2010

UKIP's proposed policy on banning the burka in public buildings and public places has opened a groundbreaking debate in which the party is once again addressing an issue that other parties dare not discuss.

Nigel Farage, UKIP's MEP Leader, told the BBC's Politics Show that the policy was aimed at addressing feelings of unease in British society at women wearing the burka and niqab.

Mr Farage said: "If I wanted to go into a bank wearing a motorcycle helmet, I couldn't. And it's not acceptable to wear a balaclava on the Tube or bus systems. Most large shopping centres even forbid hoodies because these tops disguise the wearer. The muslim veils are no different in having that effect but UKIP believes that security issues aside, they are also a symbol of a divided Britain.

"They are part of a cultural, not religious, garment. There is no requirement in the Koran to wear a veil, only to dress modestly. UKIP believes that the wearers are prevented from full assimilation into our way of life because of the feelings of unease they give rise to in the rest of the population."

He also said: "UKIP doesn't believe in the multicultural separation that Islamic extemists wish to pursue through the gradual imposition of Sharia law. We believe in single British culture and values shared by all British people.

"After all, this is Britain and our way of life is to get along with each other. In a liberal democracy, it is not for a small minority to impose their way of life on a majority.

"And though this is a controversial topic, UKIP wants a wide, public debate on this issue. If we don't bring it out in the open, you can be sure none of the other parties will."

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