Robert Jenrick faces backlash over comments backing burqa ban

Published: 22 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Robert Jenrick, the former Conservative cabinet minister and shadow justice secretary, has come under fire after suggesting that he would support a ban on the burqa in Britain, prompting accusations that his stance is “anti-British” and out of step with national values.

Jenrick, who is widely tipped as a potential successor to Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, referenced Italy as a model, pointing to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s recent proposal to outlaw the traditional Muslim garment in public spaces. Speaking on his Ring Rob programme on Talk radio, Jenrick said: “I probably would ban the burqa. There are basic values in this country, and we should stand up and defend them.”

He added: “Where you’re seeing these values fraying at the edges, or frankly being destroyed – whether it’s Sharia courts or wearing of the burqa – these are issues we’re going to have to confront if we want to build the kind of society that we want to hand on to our kids and grandkids.”

The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from Labour politicians, with MP Sam Rushworth denouncing Jenrick’s comments as “anti-British” and insisting they go “against what our nation stands for.” The critique underscores tensions within British politics over the balance between cultural expression, integration, and public policy.

Jenrick’s position appears to diverge from that of Kemi Badenoch, who has consistently argued against a nationwide burqa ban, although she has expressed support for employers being able to prevent staff from wearing face coverings at work. Earlier this year, Badenoch told reporters, “France has a ban, and they have worse problems than we do in this country on integration. So banning the burqa clearly is not the thing that’s going to fix things.”

She has also stated that she would personally not allow visitors to her constituency surgeries to wear face coverings, citing her “strong views about face coverings,” but has stopped short of advocating a blanket legal prohibition.

Former prime minister Theresa May has previously echoed a similar position, arguing that the government should not dictate what women wear, including the burqa, reinforcing a perspective rooted in individual freedom and religious tolerance.

Jenrick’s comments come amid a series of controversial remarks and incidents involving the MP this year. Notably, during a 90-minute visit to Handsworth, Birmingham, he remarked that he “didn’t see another white face,” sparking criticism for highlighting ethnic demographics in a way that many described as tone-deaf. He later attempted to clarify, stating that his comments were not about skin colour or faith, but about people “living alongside each other” in cohesive communities.

The wider European context has also reignited debate over burqa bans. Earlier this month, Italy’s ruling Brothers of Italy party announced plans to introduce legislation seeking to prohibit the burqa, describing it as a move to counter “Islamic separatism.” The proposal has stirred controversy in Italy and beyond, with concerns over religious freedom and cultural integration dominating public discourse.

In the UK, similar discussions have occasionally surfaced among smaller political parties. Reform MP Sarah Pochin earlier this year urged Sir Keir Starmer to ban the burqa, although the party later clarified that a ban is not part of Reform UK policy. The episode prompted internal criticism, with the party’s chair, Zia Yusuf, publicly calling the request “dumb” on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating: “It is dumb for a party to ask the prime minister if they would do something the party itself wouldn’t do.”

The debate has revealed a complex fault line within British politics, juxtaposing arguments about integration, women’s rights, religious freedom, and national identity. Jenrick’s statements have intensified scrutiny of the Conservative leadership and its approach to cultural issues, particularly as he positions himself as a potential future leader of the party.

Political analysts note that calls for burqa bans often evoke strong reactions from both sides of the political spectrum. Supporters argue such measures protect social cohesion and reinforce shared cultural norms, while opponents emphasise that targeting religious garments risks marginalising communities and inflaming societal divisions. The controversy reflects the broader tensions facing the UK over immigration, multiculturalism, and national identity.

Observers have pointed out that any attempt to legislate a ban on the burqa would likely face significant legal and practical hurdles. Civil liberties groups have warned that banning a religious garment could be challenged under human rights law, while enforcement mechanisms would raise further questions about state overreach and discrimination.

Jenrick’s remarks also intersect with ongoing debates about the role of Conservative leadership figures in shaping cultural and social policies. As a high-profile figure within the party, his opinions carry weight, and his willingness to publicly advocate for measures like a burqa ban places him in direct contrast with Badenoch’s more cautious stance. This divergence highlights the ideological spectrum within the party and the challenge leaders face in reconciling competing viewpoints.

Meanwhile, Labour politicians continue to seize on Jenrick’s comments to frame the debate around values, inclusion, and national cohesion. Rushworth’s denunciation reflects broader concerns among opposition MPs that proposals targeting religious practices can undermine Britain’s pluralistic and tolerant identity.

The issue of burqa bans is unlikely to disappear from public discourse. Across Europe and the UK, debates over cultural integration, religious expression, and social cohesion continue to provoke passionate responses from policymakers, political parties, religious leaders, and community groups alike. Jenrick’s comments are expected to fuel further discussion and may become a prominent talking point in the lead-up to internal Conservative leadership contests.

As the UK grapples with questions of multiculturalism, identity, and governance, the burqa debate exemplifies the complex balancing act between protecting individual freedoms and promoting societal values. Jenrick’s intervention has crystallised these tensions, drawing both criticism and support while illustrating the challenges leaders face when navigating sensitive cultural and religious issues in modern Britain.