Ban the burka?
Should those who wear burkas be banned from doing so in public? A growing number of politicians across Europe seem to think so.
has just imposed a ban, France is expected to in the next few months and now the MP for Kettering wants Britain to do the same.
Philip Hollobone's Face Coverings (Regulation) Bill has just been presented to the House. MPs will debate it later in the year.
If it were to become law, it would prohibit anyone from covering their face in public: balaclavas would be out, so too, masks and Muslim womens' Islamic veils.
"It's part of the British way of life," explains Mr Hollobone.
"You smile at people you pass in the street, you wave and say hello. You can't do that if your face is covered. I think there is a traditional mistrust in this country of people covering their face. We don't like it, it's not part of the British way of life and it's time we put a stop to it".
Racial equality groups say his views are unhelpful and point out that in Kettering only a handful of women wear the Muslim veil but Mr Hollobone still believes this is an important issue.
"We're never going to have a fully integrated society; we'll never get along together if we can't see someone's face. One of the tragedies in this country at the moment is that there are lots of women who can't speak English and will never be able to speak English or get involved in society because we can't see their faces".
Does he think his views are inflammatory?
"I think it's inflammatory for people to cover their face in public".
A recent ComRes poll found that two thirds of Britons believe that wearing the burka should be illegal in places such as banks and airports. One in three of those questioned wanted an outright ban on face veils in public.
None of the Westminster parties support a ban although you may remember that the former Justice Secretary,, asked Muslim women to reveal their faces in his surgeries because he thought the veils got in the way of effective communication.
As a private members bill there's little chance of Mr Hollobone's plan becoming law.
But he wants to start a debate. If enough people agree with him the government may have to take notice.
Welcome to the political blog for the East. I'm Deborah McGurran, the Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú's Political Editor for the region. From Lowestoft to Luton, this is the place for politics with an eastern twist.
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