Swinney hits back at Reform UK over burqa ban calls

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 15:44 · Archive

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney accused Reform UK of seeking to divide communities after the party called for a burqa ban.

John Swinney has accused the Scottish Reform leadership of seeking to divide communities after the party called for a burqa ban in Scotland. Reform MSP Thomas Kerr led a parliamentary debate asking the Scottish Government to assess the potential benefits of introducing restrictions on full-face coverings in public places, including burqas and niqabs. Kerr noted that a number of European countries have introduced such restrictions and asked ministers to consider public safety, individual liberty and community cohesion.

At First Minister's Questions, Swinney responded to questioning from Reform leader Malcolm Offord by saying he did not think Offord was in any position to lecture him on protecting communities. The First Minister said his job was to ensure every community in Scotland felt protected and supported, and that since May he had been repeatedly invited to ban the burqa despite never facing such requests during his years as an MSP before then.

Swinney also reiterated that he did not agree with the conclusions of the Green Party conference, which had backed a motion defining Zionism as racism. Labour MSPs and Green MSPs were seen clapping at Swinney's response during the exchange.

Swinney hits back at Reform UK over burqa ban calls — Image: BBC Scotland

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How it is being reported

Reform MSPs accused of racism over burka ban debate at HolyroodJohn Swinney criticised the party after it suggested religious face coverings should be outlawed in public.BBC Scotland · 8 Oct, 15:46
John Swinney slams 'deplorable' Reform UK as party calls for burqa ban in ScotlandThe First Minister accused Malcolm Offord of leading "a party that has brought racism" into the Scottish Parliament.Daily Record · 8 Oct, 14:58
John Swinney draws applause from Labour MSPs after hitting back at burqa ban callsJOHN Swinney has drawn applause from Labour MSPs after accusing the Scottish Reform leadership of seeking to divide communities with calls for a burqa banThe National · 8 Oct, 14:08

In this story: John Swinney · Malcolm Offord · Thomas Kerr · Reform UK · Scottish Parliament · Scotland

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