Overview
- Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick said on Talk that he would probably ban the burqa, citing recent proposals in Italy under Giorgia Meloni.
- His stance conflicts with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who earlier rejected a nationwide ban while backing employers’ rights to set face-covering rules.
- A Downing Street spokesman affirmed that people have a legal right to freedom of religion, including wearing religious attire except where limited by law.
- Shadow chancellor Mel Stride told Sky News a burqa ban is not party policy and said requirements against full face coverings can be reasonable in settings like workplaces or MP meetings.
- Shadow communities secretary James Cleverly voiced instinctive opposition to bans, while Labour figures and Muslim groups condemned Jenrick’s position as divisive; no government policy change has been announced.