Rupert Lowe MP
One of the foundations of any successful society is very simple - we recognise each other. We look one another in the eye. We speak face-to-face. Not anonymous figures hidden behind intimidating black face coverings.
That’s why I believe Britain needs a ban. A full ban on the burqa, the niqab and other full-face coverings in public spaces - except for obvious and legitimate medical or occupational needs.
The burqa is distinctly anti-British - it’s unpleasant, it’s divisive, it’s unsafe. It's confusing for young children. It's dangerous.
Brits don't want it, and nor should we have to tolerate it.
A political symbol. It represents a deeply patriarchal and unpleasant worldview that has no place in our society, in our Britain.
We must defend the freedom of girls and women born into a culture where they have no choices, but lots of rules. Oppressive, sexist rules - suffocation forced on them by men who hold no respect for women.
My message is quite straightforward.
We must ban the burqa, and we must ban the niqab.
