Ukip man quits over planned burka ban
UKIP’S foreign affairs spokesman has quit his post in protest at leader Paul Nuttall’s plans to ban the burka.
Mr Nuttall has sparked widespread controversy with his proposal to outlaw the full-face veil worn by some Muslim women, as well as banning sharia law and forcing girls at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM) to face regular medical checks.
Announcing that he was resigning as the party’s foreign and Commonwealth affairs spokesman, West Midlands MEP James Carver described the policy as “incompatible” with his desire to represent all of his constituents and to seek a global perspective for the UK.
Mr Nuttall’s so-called integration strategy had already been panned by former Ukip donor Arron Banks, who accused him of going to “war” with Muslim communities.
But deputy leader Peter Whittle defended the strategy, saying: “The burka is not something in the Koran, it’s not specified by the Koran, it’s a cultural practice, FGM is a cultural practice.”
Mr Carver said he “strongly disagreed” with a policy he regarded as “misguided”.
“I would be one of the first to condemn a ban on wearing a crucifix as an infringement of liberty,” said Mr Carver. “No-one has the right to dictate what people should wear.
“When facial identification is necessary, such as at passport controls, or in a bank, then it is perfectly reasonable to order the removal of veils – as is the practice – but in a free and liberal society, people have a right to their religious beliefs, and to dress as they see fit.”
Mr Carver said he stepped down as party spokesman “with deep regret”, but added: “I feel this policy undermines my desire to represent all communities within the West Midlands, including the many British Muslims who, I know from first-hand experience, voted to leave the EU in last year’s referendum.