Reform calls for burka ban as Welsh Parliament debate erupts

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 14:44 · Archive

Reform UK Wales called for greater scrutiny of full-face coverings including burkas in the Welsh Parliament, sparking angry scenes and protests.

Reform UK Wales has called for greater scrutiny of full-face coverings including burkas during a debate in the Welsh Parliament. Jason O'Connell argued that the coverings raised questions about women's freedom and public safety. He said people should feel safe in their communities and that nobody should be able to hide their identity.

O'Connell accused Plaid Cymru of caring more about promoting foreign cultures than Welsh ones. He claimed they did not care about keeping Welsh people and businesses safe, and argued that a lack of integration by people wearing face coverings impacted Wales and working-class communities.

Protesters gathered outside Cardiff Bay yesterday as MSs discussed proposals to ban face coverings. O'Connell dismissed allegations from other parties that Reform Wales is being Islamophobic.

How it is being reported

• Angry scenes as Reform MSs call for burka banAngry scenes and protests at Senedd as Reform call for ban on Muslim face coverings.BBC Politics · 23 Oct, 14:17
• Burka ban debate sparks fury in Welsh Parliament as Reform compared to Nazis for 'anti-British' claimA fiery debate has erupted in the Welsh Parliament after Reform UK Wales called for greater scrutiny of full-face coverings. Protesters gathered outside Cardiff Bay yesterday as MSs discussed proposals to ban face coverings. Taking on Plaid Cymru in the Senedd, Reform UK's Jason O’Connell argued that the burka and other full-face coverings raised questions about "women’s freedom" and "public safety". He mentioned the use of balaclavas and burkas, vowing to crack down on those "evading accountability" is needed. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Mr O'Connell insisted that people should feel…GB News · 22 Oct, 14:23

In this story: Reform UK Wales · Jason O'Connell · Plaid Cymru · Welsh Parliament · Cardiff Bay · Wales

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