Reform UK Divides Over Burqa Ban Amid Party Leadership Dispute

Reform UK is experiencing internal disagreement after its newest MP, Sarah Pochin, asked Prime Minister Keir Starmer whether Britain would follow other European countries like France and Denmark in banning the burqa, citing public safety concerns. Pochin's question at Prime Minister’s Questions sparked audible disquiet among MPs and was criticized by Reform UK's chairman, Zia Yusuf, who called the move "dumb" and stated it was not party policy. Despite party officials initially distancing themselves from a burqa ban, party leader Nigel Farage expressed support for opening a debate on the issue, and some Reform MPs, including Lee Anderson, have publicly supported the ban. The Prime Minister rejected the proposal and used the moment to criticize Farage’s economic plans. The burqa, a full-body and face covering worn by some Muslim women as a sign of modesty, has been banned in several European countries due to security and identity concerns, but critics argue such bans are discriminatory and infringe on religious freedoms. Public opinion polls indicate significant support in the UK for a ban, although the issue remains divisive within Reform UK and broader UK politics.