Diane slams UKIP call for the banning of Burkas
Diane Abbott MP has condemned the view of the UK Independence Party who is calling for Burkas and face veils worn by Muslim women to be banned.
Miss Abbott’s views follow an attack on a Muslim woman from her constituency yesterday, who was apparently targeted because of her face veil.
Stoke Newington mum, Dr Sarah Amerat was allegedly punched in the back by another passenger on the 393 bus on Sunday January 17 whilst travelling with her disabled son.
Her husband, Saam Amerat, who reported the incident to the police as a racially motivated attack, said comments like those of UKIP have coincided with attacks on his wife in the past.
“It makes people in our community targets,” he said.
Ex-UKIP leader Nigel Farage told the BBC’s Politics Show that Burkas were a symbol of an “increasingly divided Britain”.
He also said they “oppressed” women and were a potential security threat.
Diane said:
“Saying people have no right to wear a Burka or veil as part of their religious beliefs is ridiculous and banning them would be the real cause of a divided Britain.
“Politicians like UKIP are causing a rise in attacks on women in Burkas and veils as evidenced here in my constituency.”
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“Politicians like UKIP are causing a rise in attacks on women in Burkas and veils as evidenced here in my constituency.”
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