Ukip accused of ‘full-throttled Islamophobia’ after launch

Ukip has been accused of descending into “full-throttled Islamophobia” after an “integration policy” launch which included “horrifically heavy handed” plans to force girls at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM) to undergo regular medical checks.

The party was charged with trying to outdo French far-right leader Marine Le Pen and a “desperate” attempt to stay relevant after achieving Brexit as it launched a string of policies aimed almost entirely at Muslims.

Its leader Paul Nuttall, who refuses to say if he will stand in the general election, said the plans, which also include a public burka ban, banning sharia law, and a moratorium on the creation of new Islamic faith schools, were not designed to sow division.

But after a 35-minute “integration agenda” launch which focused almost exclusively on policies which would affect Muslims, the party was widely criticised.

Former Home Office minister Baroness Featherstone, who helped guide coalition government legislation on FGM through Parliament, focused on Ukip’s proposal to make “at-risk” girls undergo a medical examination every year, and when they return from holiday.

The Liberal Democrat peer said: “Ukip’s approach is horrifically heavy handed and will alienate the very communities we are trying to reach out to.

“We should be training our teachers and other providers such as community experts to identify those at risk and teaching children themselves that FGM is wrong and to come forward if they fear for themselves or a friend.”

Mr Nuttall said he believed Ukip was “10 years ahead of our time” on these issues, predicting the Tories, Labour and Lib Dems will be “where we are today at some point in the 2020s”.

“Ukip’s approach is horrifically heavy handed. BARONESS FEATHERSTONE