Should Britain Ban Burkas?

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Conservative MP for Kettering, Philip Hollobone, has called for ministers to ban the wearing of burkas, saying it was "offensive" and "''against the British way of life"

Hollobone views the covering of a person's face in public as "strange" and "intimidating" and inappropriate for the 21st century.

He also believes that women who wear burkas are blocking "any normal human dialogue or interaction with anyone else" and earlier had commented that wearing a burka was like "going round with a paper bag over your head"

There are of course many things to look at when considering such a ban. Whilst it does go "against the British way of life" as Hollobone has stated, perhaps the time for enforcing such rules passed when Curry replaced Fish and Chips as the national dish?

The British government, in its eagerness to show ethnic minorities how fair the British people are, has perhaps allowed this generosity to go much farther than it should?

As most people know, Britain has chosen to flood its streets with CCTV cameras and has the ability to monitor people in many different locations, 24 hours a day. Unfortunately, this system is completely useless if someone is covering their face (not just those wearing burkas).

I am not suggesting that a woman wearing a burka does so to avoid detection against criminal activities, but it would give them a considerable advantage if they chose that path. What would happen if non-Muslim women decided to walk around in face masks (especially in a bank), would the government allow that?

Whilst it is right to respect the different religious traditions that people have, it should be remembered that respect is a two way thing. There are some Islamic countries that do not allow foreign women to dress in a certain way when visiting their country. It is their country and they have every right to insist on this, and visitors should accept that ruling. Unfortunately, Britain seems embarrassed about applying the same conditions.

In order for a country to successfully obtain a well balanced multicultural society, it is essential that all races and religions make an effort to communicate with each other, and compromise a little with regard to their culture and traditions.

Clearly, there are going to be difficulties for a woman wearing a full-face burka to have a normal conversation with a woman who is not. Most people like to see the face of the person they are talking to. How can you tell what faces a person is pulling underneath the "mask"?

Hollobone's heart may be in the right place, even if he does express himself in a way that will make some cringe. But I doubt if many other politicians will support him, as they are too busy drinking their "politically correct" juice!

The only political party that might be willing to listen to Philip Hollobone is the BNP, who despite their reputation in many people's eyes, may do quite well in the forthcoming general election. Voters are clearly disappointed with the main political parties (as the polls are showing), and many may look for an alternative?