Was he right to speak out about Muslim women’s dress?

YES

Says Laura Perrins of Conservative Woman political website

BORIS Johnson has a right to use this language, although it is not language I would use when discussing whether it is right to ban the burka.

Boris does not even call for such a ban, but despite this he is still facing incredible criticism.

I don’t believe any other religion receives such a privilege in modern day Britain.

What you are witnessing now is a heresy trial in 2018. And I believe it will be the first of many.

If any aspect of Islam is criticised or mocked the online and offline mob is quick to swoop and condemn the heretic in the harshest terms possible.

Often, as in the case of Boris, his job comes under threat. The question now is whether Boris will “apologise”, in other words recant. That is how heresy trials work – recant or else.

The main problem with Boris’s view is that he did not call for a ban of the burka and in this he has failed to protect the social norm in Britain that we all show our faces.

This is critical to communication and therefore integration.

This was a cowardly failure on his behalf.

The burka is oppressive and I doubt very much it is really required by Islam.

What it is instead is a symbol of Islamism, a political project that sets the wearer apart from mainstream society. It should be banned.

NO

Says Phillip Lee Tory MP and former justice minister

SOME people will see this as an issue of freedom of speech, but it is not.

Boris Johnson is not wrong to make a contribution to a debate about the wearing of the burka which is being discussed in other European countries.

For many Muslims the burka is not a modern interpretation of Islam or one that fits in with western society’s values of tolerance and equality.

There is a genuine concern that some women are forced to wear it. What is wrong with Mr Johnson’s approach though is the language he chose to use. It had all the hallmarks of “dog whistle” politics from a man many of us believe is preparing a leadership challenge.

This was an attack on many Muslim women for their appearance.

This is not the way to defend freedom of religion or to address these issues. We should not forget figures in the past who victimised minorities.

The Prime Minister and others are right to insist that he apologises.

Comparing women to letter boxes for the way they choose to dress detracts from efforts to help us reach out to different communities as a party and wider society.

We must communicate the inclusiveness of the Conservative Party at a time when Brexit is being used to paint us as intolerant and racist.