Just say you’re sorry Boris

Our Uxbridge and South Ruislip MP, Boris Johnson, should apologise for his recent remarks about Muslim women wearing the burka and veil.

It is not right that women wearing these coverings should be characterized as bank robbers or looking like letterboxes.

There are valid scriptural reasons for wearing such clothing. So perhaps someone needs to remind Boris of this too. Although he has also said that full-face veils should not be banned.

It is not a sign of weakness to apologise. If offence is caused then always apologise.

In the same way the recent furore in the Labour Party over antisemitic stances by some members of the party and failure to understand what antisemitism is should be addressed immediately too.

Any delay in responding to unfortunate, crass, hurtful and ignorant remarks only opens the wound and becomes a form of bigotry.

I would expect anyone in power to apologise for wrongs caused. There are standards expected of politicians in office whether at Westminster or within Hillingdon council.

But for the moment an apology might go a long way on the road to tolerance and respect for beliefs held by others. If we are to live in an inclusive society where we all feel comfortable and secure then we all must be careful what we say and do to others.

So please Mr Johnson show your strength of character by making an apology. Ian Herne Hercies Road Hillingdon