A row has erupted within Reform UK after one of its new MPs, Sarah Pochin, asked Prime Minister Keir Starmer to consider banning the burqa in public places. The party’s chair, Zia Yusuf, responded that the question was “dumb” and not part of the party’s policy.
However, the comment sparked controversy among some Reform UK MPs, with cries of “shame” directed at Pochin. Nigel Farage, the party leader, later weighed in on the issue, stating that face coverings in public places make no sense and should be debated.
Yusuf defended his response on X, saying it was not about personal criticism but rather a critique of the party’s decision to ask the PM about a policy not supported by the party. This is the latest sign of disharmony within Reform UK, which has faced internal conflicts in the past.
Months ago, one of its MPs, Rupert Lowe, was expelled from the party after disagreeing with Yusuf and Farage on various issues. Lowe has since expressed support for banning the burqa, calling it a “political symbol” that represents a patriarchal worldview.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/jun/05