Kemi Badenoch Open to National Burka Ban but Warns of Enforcement Challenges
In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch expressed her support for a national ban on the burka, but cautioned that enforcing such a ban would be a costly and complex issue for police forces. The MP for Saffron Walden in Essex made these comments as part of a broader discussion on integration and community cohesion, citing a ban on sharia courts and first-cousin marriage as more pressing priorities.
According to The Express, Ms Badenoch argued that there are more significant challenges to address when it comes to promoting integration between communities. "If you were to ask me where you start with integration – sharia courts, all of this nonsense sectarianism, things like first-cousin marriage – there’s a whole heap of stuff that is far more insidious and that breeds more problems," she said. The MP emphasised that her view is that people should be allowed to wear whatever they want, not what their husband or community dictates.
The Express reported that Ms Badenoch already enforces a ban on face coverings in her constituency surgery, stating, "If you come into my constituency surgery, you have to remove your face covering, whether it’s a burka or a balaclava. I’m not talking to people who are not going to show me their face, and I also believe that other people should have that control." This stance is reflective of her broader views on individual freedom and organisational autonomy.
Ms Badenoch also pointed to France as an example of a country that has banned the burqa, yet still struggles with integrating immigrants. "Banning the burka clearly is not the thing that’s going to fix things," she concluded. This sentiment is echoed by The Express, which notes that while British law allows employers to set their own dress code rules, employees can bring costly legal action against their bosses if they attempt to ban religious head or face coverings.
The Express highlighted a notable case in which a school in Dewsbury was taken to court by a Muslim teaching assistant, Aishah Azmi, after she was banned from wearing a niqab in the classroom. Although the case was dismissed, taxpayers were threatened with a £250,000 bill as Ms Azmi vowed to take the case to the European Court of Human Rights. This example illustrates the complexities and potential costs associated with enforcing a burka ban.
In a related matter, Ms Badenoch has vowed to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), citing concerns that it provides Britain’s enemies with legal weaponry to undermine elected politicians. In the same Telegraph interview, she stated that she is prepared to block any candidate from standing for her party in future if they refuse to support her campaign to leave the convention. This stance reflects her commitment to reforming the UK’s relationship with the ECHR.
The debate surrounding the burka and integration is set to continue, with Ms Badenoch’s comments adding to the discussion. As The Express reports, the MP’s views on these issues are likely to be closely watched by her constituents and the wider public. With her emphasis on addressing more pressing priorities and her concerns about enforcement, Ms Badenoch’s approach to this issue is clear: while she supports a national ban on the burka, she is also mindful of the complexities and challenges involved.
As reported by The Express, Ms Badenoch’s comments have sparked a renewed debate on the issue, highlighting the need for a nuanced and informed discussion on integration, community cohesion, and individual freedoms.
