https://arab.news/8y548
- Robert Jenrick, leading figure in Conservative Party, made remarks during show on Talk TV on Tuesday
- Labour MP Sam Rushworth described comments as ‘against what our nation stands for’
LONDON: The UK’s shadow justice secretary has been accused of being “anti-British” after saying he would probably support banning women wearing burqas in public.
Robert Jenrick, a leading figure in the Conservative Party and tipped to lead it potentially, made the remarks during a show on Talk TV on Tuesday.
When asked if he would ban the burqa, Jenrick responded: “I probably would ban the burqa.” The statement contradicts the position taken by his party leader, Kemi Badenoch.
He referred to the ruling Brothers of Italy party’s plan to introduce legislation aimed at banning the burqa.
Jenrick added: “I think there’s definitely a strong argument for it. There are basic values in this country and we should stand up and defend them.”
Labour MP Sam Rushworth responded strongly to condemn the comments.
Rushworth wrote on X: “That’s so anti-British. It goes against what our nation stands for.”
Badenoch, the Conservative leader, previously dismissed the idea of a burqa ban, saying that it would not solve the issue of “cultural separatism.”
Jenrick faced accusations of igniting a “fire of toxic nationalism” after The Guardian reported that he complained about not seeing “another white face” during a 90-minute visit to Handsworth in Birmingham earlier in October.