A fiery debate erupted in UK politics on June 4, 2025, when Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin used her first Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) to urge Sir Keir Starmer to ban the burka, citing “public safety” and European precedents like France and Denmark. The move, exposed deep divisions within Reform UK and sparked heated reactions across the political spectrum.
Pochin’s Bold PMQs Debut
Sarah Pochin, the new MP for Runcorn and Helsby, asked Starmer, “Will he, in the interests of public safety, follow the lead of France, Denmark, Belgium, and others and ban the burqa?” Her question, inspired by a crowd-sourcing effort, drew jeers and cries of “shame” from MPs. Starmer sidestepped the issue, instead mocking Reform’s economic plans and Pochin’s past as a Conservative councillor.
Reform’s Internal Rift
The call for a Reform UK burka ban revealed a party split. Lee Anderson, Reform’s chief whip, backed Pochin, posting on social media, “Ban the burqa? Yes we should. No one should be allowed to hide their identity in public.” Nigel Farage, the party leader, fueled the debate on GB News, arguing face coverings, including burqas, “don’t make sense” in public and citing his unease with masked protesters in Aberdeen. He framed it as a broader issue, noting bans in countries like Cameroon and China
However, Zia Yusuf, Reform’s chairman, called Pochin’s question “dumb” on X, saying it wasn’t party policy and he was unaware of the question. Yusuf’s frustration led to his resignation hours later, citing the incident as a breaking point after 11 months as chair. Farage expressed regret, calling Yusuf “enormously talented” but admitting politics is a “high-pressure game.”
Not Party Policy—Yet?
Reform clarified that a burka ban isn’t official policy, though the Express reports it’s likely to become so as the party pushes for a “national debate.” Farage’s 2010 UKIP manifesto supported a similar ban, showing his long-standing stance. However, internal discord, including past tensions with ousted MP Rupert Lowe, highlights Reform’s struggle to align its messaging.
Public and Political Reaction
The proposal reignited a polarizing debate. A 2016 YouGov poll found 57% of Brits supported a burka ban, with stronger backing among UKIP (84%) and Conservative voters (66%). James Cleverly, a Tory MP, criticized Starmer’s dismissive response but opposed a ban, emphasizing personal freedom while condemning coercion. Labour MP Mike Tapp rejected the idea, citing religious freedom and dismissing security concerns based on his counterterrorism experience. On GB News, commentator Fahima Mahomed called Pochin’s question “racist,” arguing it targeted Muslim women unfairly.
Why It Matters
Pochin’s question, though divisive, taps into ongoing UK debates about identity, safety, and integration. With Reform’s growing influence—described by Andy Burnham as a potential electoral threat—the party’s push for this discussion could shape public discourse. However, the internal fallout and Yusuf’s exit reveal challenges in Reform’s cohesion as it navigates controversial issues.
