The London mayoral candidate for Reform UK, Laila Cunningham, has ignited a political firestorm after proposing that women wearing the burqa in public should be subject to police stop-and-search powers.
Controversial Comments Draw Immediate Condemnation
In an interview with the Standard, Ms Cunningham, who is set to stand in the 2028 election, stated she would act to ban the full-face religious garment. She argued that individuals concealing their faces might do so for "criminal reasons," justifying the need for heightened police scrutiny. The remarks, made on Saturday 17 January 2026, were swiftly denounced by figures across the political and community spectrum.
Crossbench peer Baroness Shaista Gohir led the criticism, branding the comments as "dangerous" and a clear "dog whistle" to racists. She warned that such rhetoric sends a damaging message to British Muslims that they "do not belong" in their own country.
Political Leaders Unite in Criticism
London's current Mayor, Sadiq Khan, was quick to condemn the proposal. He emphasised London's proud tradition of diversity and the fundamental importance of freedom of religion. His defence of the capital's multicultural identity stood in stark contrast to the candidate's stance.
Adding to the chorus of disapproval, Labour MP Afzal Khan characterised the comments as a "deliberate and cynical ploy" designed to sow division and attract attention. The unified response from prominent figures highlighted the depth of concern over the candidate's language.
Reform UK Defends Its Stance on Policing
In response to the backlash, a spokesperson for Reform UK moved to defend the party's position. They stated that stop-and-search powers are an essential tool for tackling London's ongoing law and order issues. The defence framed the candidate's comments within a broader narrative of addressing crime, rather than specifically targeting a religious community.
This incident has thrust Reform UK's policies on immigration and social cohesion back into the spotlight, raising questions about the party's direction ahead of the next mayoral contest. The debate underscores the ongoing tension between security concerns and the protection of civil liberties in modern Britain.
