| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours 13:23 - Jun 4 with 6600 views | ElderGrizzly |
Calling for the burqa to be banned in her first ever comment at PMQs claiming it's an issue of 'public safety' [Post edited 4 Jun 13:25]
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| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 09:20 - Jun 5 with 1046 views | The_Flashing_Smile |
| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 08:26 - Jun 5 by GeoffSentence |
I used to wear a balaclava as a child to keep warm whilst waiting for the bus on freezing cold days.
THEY WANT TO CRIMINALISE OUR YOUNG!!!!!!! |
I wrote a poem about balaclavas...
Balaclava Blues
The balaclava is much maligned
as an item of clothing, I think you’ll find
I’m liking going hiking
but it’s cold in the evening
I’ve frostbitten ears not a terrorist leaning
I borrowed it off my dad and he’s no bother
(admittedly he was an armed bank robber)
But that’s not the point
It’s not the balaclava’s fault
Calm down officer, don’t look so fraught
at my 3-holed eye-hat
that
I love
It’s comfort not fear
and it fits like a head-glove
Love, don’t hate
and don’t be chicken
You only have to worry if my backpack’s tickin’
Which it’s not
I’m just a man in time and space
With warmth in my heart
and the general area
of my face. |  |
| Trust the process. Trust Phil. |
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| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 09:29 - Jun 5 with 1009 views | Swansea_Blue |
| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 21:38 - Jun 4 by DJR |
As if to prove my point about different attitudes to Islam and Judaism, this is a top-rated comment from Mailonline, which mentions halal but not kosher, even thought the slaughter methods are the same.
"The Burqa in the UK is nothing but a political statement!! Ban it & ban halal slaughter as well."
Of course there is a case for objecting to both in terms of the methods of slaughter, but interesting to note that the person commenting only seems angered by one. [Post edited 4 Jun 21:40]
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An islamophobic Mail reader? Surely not!
Interesting “long read” about Denmark’s immigration stance on the BBC this morning (it’s not that long). I know someone who emigrated there about 30 years and raised a family - she’s always said that it’s difficult to fit in as an immigrant over there, so I don’t find the situation as surprising as the BBC make out. Interesting nonetheless and I wonder if Labour have been looking to them for inspiration.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1mgkd93r4yo |  |
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| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 09:33 - Jun 5 with 999 views | ElderGrizzly |
| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 17:17 - Jun 4 by Swansea_Blue |
It’s depressing that it works. But when you’ve had decades of the press, and more recently online grifters and even the actual government, ‘othering’ minority groups for selfish reasons I suppose it’s inevitable.
I don’t know where we’re going with all this. The only certainty is that they the likes of Farage can’t stop the grift. Even if they get in power, they can’t solve the problems they’ve invented, so they have to keep blaming foreigners for everything or they will lose their supporters. A self perpetuating cycle of loathing and hate. |
You might have seen Trump his playing his 'greatest hits' overnight with his previously self-titled 'Muslim Ban' for certain countries into the USA
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/04/trump-proclamation-travel-ban
It's just a continuation of the persecution of certain groups because rich white people are scared of them, but can't tell you why. | | | |
| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 09:33 - Jun 5 with 996 views | eireblue |
| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 03:57 - Jun 5 by Benters |
It won’t be banned here the current government are gutless mate. |
How can they be gutless and two-tier at the same time? Think man |  | | |
| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 09:55 - Jun 5 with 969 views | DJR |
| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 03:58 - Jun 5 by Benters |
This. |
You think bank robbers in France don't wear masks?
I also came across this from a report about protests in France against pension age increases.
"Masked rioters began to smash shop windows, demolish furniture, and set light masses of rubbish."
The fact that the ban in France extended to all face coverings strikes me as a smokescreen to cover the real intention which was banning the burqa. But it was definitely a case of using a sledge hammer to crack a nut because there were only an estimated 1,900 women in France who wore the burqa at the time of the ban.
It seems that the case in the ECHR failed because the ban was so wide, and therefore it was not possible to argue that Muslim women who wore the burqa were especially affected. But as someone of the left who believes in freedom, it seems to me outrageous to outlaw what people can wear, even it it could be justified under the ECHR ruling.
It's also interesting to hear people on the right (supposedly supporters of freedom) looking to ban what people can wear.
And when it comes to France it looks like Liberté only stretches so far.
[Post edited 5 Jun 10:00]
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| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 10:33 - Jun 5 with 922 views | Benters |
| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 07:18 - Jun 5 by StokieBlue |
I'm sure it's a huge issue on Bentley green.
SB |
That was good from you.
Have a uppie. |  |
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| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 10:48 - Jun 5 with 898 views | brazil1982 |
| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 16:07 - Jun 4 by blueasfook |
I was in York a few months ago, and I am pretty sure I didnt see a single person wearing a balaclava. and it was winter! |
I live in York and not seen anyone in a balaclava. |  | | |
| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 10:55 - Jun 5 with 881 views | NedPlimpton |
| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 10:48 - Jun 5 by brazil1982 |
I live in York and not seen anyone in a balaclava. |
Cool
I have
I've also hardly seen anyone in a burka in York |  | | |
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| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 09:33 - Jun 7 with 552 views | DJR |
I mentioned in an earlier post certain similarities between Islam and Judaism, and one similarity is that members of each faith have been demonised by the way they look or dress.
In the case of Judaism, this has been going on for centuries, and is one aspect of antisemitism. In the case of Islam, at least in this country, it is a much more recent thing (ignoring the Crusades) but it is still appalling and has consequences. Sadly though, it is not condemned in the same way (rightly) that antisemitism is condemned, and Islamophobia has become normalised.
Here is a link to an article from which the following passages are taken.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/jun/06/reform-uk-inflaming-hostility-t
Baroness Shaista Gohir, chief executive of the Muslim Women’s Network UK, said political leaders “play a crucial role in shaping societal attitudes, and it is evident that some MPs intentionally use coded language to normalise hostility towards Muslims and appeal to anti-Muslim sentiment”.
She said: “This pattern of anti-Muslim rhetoric, has been present for some time and was particularly intensified by certain Conservative MPs during the previous Conservative government.
“This is a frightening time for Muslims – barely a week goes by without statements that reinforce harmful stereotypes, fuel fear and hatred, and deepen societal intolerance. Muslim women who wear the headscarf in particular, are made to feel especially vulnerable and unsafe.”
Her position was echoed by Akeela Ahmed, co-chair of the newly formed British Muslim Network, who said: “The resignation of Zia Yusuf is a stark illustration that many in Reform do not view British Muslims as valued equal members of British society and think it is acceptable to push anti-Muslim hostility and sentiments as part of their party polices and campaigns.
“Free speech and expression is a fundamental principle of a healthy society and democracy. By the same token, so is freedom of religion and belief.
“In this context, the demonisation and weaponisation of British Muslims and their religious practices as one homogenous group to politically point score is a deeply troubling trend that has become increasingly visible and normalised in Reform UK, among both its senior politicians and supporters.
“This kind of political behaviour foments division and isolates British people from each other.”
Afzal Khan, a Labour MP and vice-chair of the all-party parliamentary group on British Muslims, said anti-Muslim rhetoric by politicians had the power to cause spikes in hate incidents towards Muslims, such as when Boris Johnson had referred to women wearing burqas as letterboxes.
“Picking on a very small minority within a minority who use the burqa, how does that make sense? It should be an important opportunity to ask the prime minister about serious issues facing this country. What does it say about their priorities?”
Sayeeda Warsi, the former Tory cabinet minister, told Times Radio that Pochin calling for a debate on the burqa had been “dog whistle” politics.
She said: “I just think this is such a fringe issue and literally I think Sarah Pochin on her first outing at PMQs in parliament used it as a way to gain a bit of attention and engage in a little bit of dog whistle politics.
“Of the 50 odd thousand people in her constituency about 500 are Muslim which is probably about half a percent of which I presume half might be women, I presume maybe a tiny handful might wear the burqa.
“You’d think she’d just been elected by the people of Runcorn to come to parliament to raise issues like the cost of living, like children in poverty, like the other challenges that her constituents face but she obviously decided to focus on this because it was just an attention-seeking dog whistle moment.” [Post edited 7 Jun 10:02]
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| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 09:48 - Jun 7 with 504 views | Tonytown |
| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 03:57 - Jun 5 by Benters |
It won’t be banned here the current government are gutless mate. |
It’s not been banned as there is no sensible reason to ban it.
Only a certain type of person wants it to be banned and you yet again are showing yourself to be one of them |  | | |
| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 11:47 - Jun 7 with 410 views | lowhouseblue |
| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 09:33 - Jun 7 by DJR |
I mentioned in an earlier post certain similarities between Islam and Judaism, and one similarity is that members of each faith have been demonised by the way they look or dress.
In the case of Judaism, this has been going on for centuries, and is one aspect of antisemitism. In the case of Islam, at least in this country, it is a much more recent thing (ignoring the Crusades) but it is still appalling and has consequences. Sadly though, it is not condemned in the same way (rightly) that antisemitism is condemned, and Islamophobia has become normalised.
Here is a link to an article from which the following passages are taken.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/jun/06/reform-uk-inflaming-hostility-t
Baroness Shaista Gohir, chief executive of the Muslim Women’s Network UK, said political leaders “play a crucial role in shaping societal attitudes, and it is evident that some MPs intentionally use coded language to normalise hostility towards Muslims and appeal to anti-Muslim sentiment”.
She said: “This pattern of anti-Muslim rhetoric, has been present for some time and was particularly intensified by certain Conservative MPs during the previous Conservative government.
“This is a frightening time for Muslims – barely a week goes by without statements that reinforce harmful stereotypes, fuel fear and hatred, and deepen societal intolerance. Muslim women who wear the headscarf in particular, are made to feel especially vulnerable and unsafe.”
Her position was echoed by Akeela Ahmed, co-chair of the newly formed British Muslim Network, who said: “The resignation of Zia Yusuf is a stark illustration that many in Reform do not view British Muslims as valued equal members of British society and think it is acceptable to push anti-Muslim hostility and sentiments as part of their party polices and campaigns.
“Free speech and expression is a fundamental principle of a healthy society and democracy. By the same token, so is freedom of religion and belief.
“In this context, the demonisation and weaponisation of British Muslims and their religious practices as one homogenous group to politically point score is a deeply troubling trend that has become increasingly visible and normalised in Reform UK, among both its senior politicians and supporters.
“This kind of political behaviour foments division and isolates British people from each other.”
Afzal Khan, a Labour MP and vice-chair of the all-party parliamentary group on British Muslims, said anti-Muslim rhetoric by politicians had the power to cause spikes in hate incidents towards Muslims, such as when Boris Johnson had referred to women wearing burqas as letterboxes.
“Picking on a very small minority within a minority who use the burqa, how does that make sense? It should be an important opportunity to ask the prime minister about serious issues facing this country. What does it say about their priorities?”
Sayeeda Warsi, the former Tory cabinet minister, told Times Radio that Pochin calling for a debate on the burqa had been “dog whistle” politics.
She said: “I just think this is such a fringe issue and literally I think Sarah Pochin on her first outing at PMQs in parliament used it as a way to gain a bit of attention and engage in a little bit of dog whistle politics.
“Of the 50 odd thousand people in her constituency about 500 are Muslim which is probably about half a percent of which I presume half might be women, I presume maybe a tiny handful might wear the burqa.
“You’d think she’d just been elected by the people of Runcorn to come to parliament to raise issues like the cost of living, like children in poverty, like the other challenges that her constituents face but she obviously decided to focus on this because it was just an attention-seeking dog whistle moment.” [Post edited 7 Jun 10:02]
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you are absolutely right that some people criticise the burqa with racist intent. but that can't be used to de-legitimise discussion of, and criticism of, any religious practices. for me what is more racist are attempts to suggest that highly conservative religious views and practices are in any way typical of the uk muslim population and to stereotype / stigmatise the wider group in that way.
"Free speech and expression is a fundamental principle of a healthy society and democracy. By the same token, so is freedom of religion and belief."
absolutely. freedom of religion and belief also extends to the absence of religious belief (in itself established as a protected belief) or rejection, criticism, dismissal, ridicule, parody, or denial of religious beliefs and practices. personally i don't see a lot of difference between very conservative islam, or very conservative judaism, or very conservative orthodox christian sects. they all tend to have have deeply repressive attitudes towards women and to promote segregation and isolation from wider society. they should all be criticised and their practices discussed and rejected when appropriate. again, none of that applies to the vast majority of the uk muslim population who cannot be characterised in that way at all.
in terms of the burqa, i don't particularly like the french approach of an outright ban. but bans in specific circumstances - education, particular service provision etc - seem entirely compatible with a liberal and inclusive society in which we accept, while criticising, a whole range of religious beliefs while at the same time promoting women's rights and community cohesion. |  |
| And so as the loose-bowelled pigeon of time swoops low over the unsuspecting tourist of destiny, and the flatulent skunk of fate wanders into the air-conditioning system of eternity, I notice it's the end of the show |
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| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 12:10 - Jun 7 with 370 views | NedPlimpton |
| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 11:47 - Jun 7 by lowhouseblue |
you are absolutely right that some people criticise the burqa with racist intent. but that can't be used to de-legitimise discussion of, and criticism of, any religious practices. for me what is more racist are attempts to suggest that highly conservative religious views and practices are in any way typical of the uk muslim population and to stereotype / stigmatise the wider group in that way.
"Free speech and expression is a fundamental principle of a healthy society and democracy. By the same token, so is freedom of religion and belief."
absolutely. freedom of religion and belief also extends to the absence of religious belief (in itself established as a protected belief) or rejection, criticism, dismissal, ridicule, parody, or denial of religious beliefs and practices. personally i don't see a lot of difference between very conservative islam, or very conservative judaism, or very conservative orthodox christian sects. they all tend to have have deeply repressive attitudes towards women and to promote segregation and isolation from wider society. they should all be criticised and their practices discussed and rejected when appropriate. again, none of that applies to the vast majority of the uk muslim population who cannot be characterised in that way at all.
in terms of the burqa, i don't particularly like the french approach of an outright ban. but bans in specific circumstances - education, particular service provision etc - seem entirely compatible with a liberal and inclusive society in which we accept, while criticising, a whole range of religious beliefs while at the same time promoting women's rights and community cohesion. |
Sorry, are you suggesting that Sarah Pochin was intending to open a wider discussion about religious practices?? | | | |
| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 13:22 - Jun 7 with 276 views | lowhouseblue |
| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 12:10 - Jun 7 by NedPlimpton |
Sorry, are you suggesting that Sarah Pochin was intending to open a wider discussion about religious practices?? |
i was replying to a post discussing whether objecting to the burqa is racist. if you can't follow how threads work, the clue is in the post you are responding to being included in your reply. if you just want to pretend to misunderstand what's been posted, well done you. | |
| And so as the loose-bowelled pigeon of time swoops low over the unsuspecting tourist of destiny, and the flatulent skunk of fate wanders into the air-conditioning system of eternity, I notice it's the end of the show |
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| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 13:28 - Jun 7 with 260 views | NedPlimpton |
| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 13:22 - Jun 7 by lowhouseblue |
i was replying to a post discussing whether objecting to the burqa is racist. if you can't follow how threads work, the clue is in the post you are responding to being included in your reply. if you just want to pretend to misunderstand what's been posted, well done you. |
Fair enough. Wasn't sure if you were solely replying to that post or making a wider point in relation to the context of the OP
Didn't mean anything by it, but it's obviously upset you. So apologies | | | |
| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 13:34 - Jun 7 with 230 views | lowhouseblue |
| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 13:28 - Jun 7 by NedPlimpton |
Fair enough. Wasn't sure if you were solely replying to that post or making a wider point in relation to the context of the OP
Didn't mean anything by it, but it's obviously upset you. So apologies |
not upset. just think theses sorts of topics are sensitive and difficult and misrepresenting what someone's posted is just being divisive for the hell of it. | |
| And so as the loose-bowelled pigeon of time swoops low over the unsuspecting tourist of destiny, and the flatulent skunk of fate wanders into the air-conditioning system of eternity, I notice it's the end of the show |
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| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 13:43 - Jun 7 with 205 views | NedPlimpton |
| New Reform MP not wasting any time to show her true colours on 13:34 - Jun 7 by lowhouseblue |
not upset. just think theses sorts of topics are sensitive and difficult and misrepresenting what someone's posted is just being divisive for the hell of it. |
That's why I asked a question | | | |
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