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A dispute has erupted within Reform UK after its newly elected MP called on the Prime Minister to implement a ban on the burqa—prompting sharp criticism from the party’s chair, Zia Yusuf, who described the suggestion as “dumb,” noting it did not reflect official party policy.
Sarah Pochin, who recently secured victory in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election, asked Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Parliament on Wednesday whether he would “in the interests of public safety” follow the lead of countries like France, Denmark, and Belgium in banning the burqa.
The question drew shouts of “shame” from some MPs, and Reform UK later clarified that such a ban was not part of its official stance—though the issue could be open to public discussion.
Party leader Nigel Farage commented on the matter during an appearance on GB News, saying he didn’t believe face coverings in public spaces were sensible and that the country “deserves a debate” on the topic.
However, Yusuf took to X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday to distance himself from the remarks, writing: “Nothing to do with me. Had no idea about the question nor that it wasn’t policy. Busy with other stuff. I do think it’s dumb for a party to ask the PM if they would do something the party itself wouldn’t do.”
A spokesperson for Reform UK later clarified that Yusuf’s remarks were not aimed at Pochin personally, but rather were a general comment on the inconsistency of raising a policy suggestion not aligned with the party’s position. The spokesperson added that internal diversity of opinion was a normal feature within political parties.
This latest controversy follows previous internal tensions in Reform UK, including the expulsion of MP Rupert Lowe earlier this year after clashes with both Yusuf and Farage. Lowe, now an independent MP, has previously expressed support for hardline anti-immigration views and shown sympathy toward far-right figure Tommy Robinson.
On Thursday, Lowe voiced his support for a burqa ban, arguing that it symbolized a “deeply patriarchal and unpleasant worldview” that should not be tolerated in British society. He said the country must stand up for women and girls who are forced to wear it as a rule rather than a choice.
The sentiment was echoed by Nick Timothy, a Conservative MP and former chief of staff to Theresa May, who posted on X: “The burqa is as British as Jeddah and yes it should be banned.”
