Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice has defended the party's decision to raise the issue of banning the burqa in Parliament, despite the resignation of party chair Zia Yusuf. Tice said the discussion must not be 'forced underground' when such bans exist in several European countries.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Tice argued that it was right to debate whether the burqa is appropriate for a nation 'founded in Christianity' where women are equal citizens. He expressed concern that the garment could be repressive and suggested asking women who wear it whether it is genuinely their choice.
Yusuf, a Muslim businessman and donor, resigned as Reform UK chair on Thursday after criticising a question from new MP Sarah Pochin to Prime Minister Keir Starmer about banning the burqa. Yusuf had called the move 'dumb' on social media, stating it was not party policy.
In his resignation statement, Yusuf said he no longer believed working to get a Reform government elected was a good use of his time, despite having helped quadruple party membership and deliver historic electoral results. Party leader Nigel Farage expressed sadness at Yusuf's departure, calling him a 'huge factor' in recent success.
The resignation also affects Reform's new 'department of government efficiency' unit, with tech entrepreneur Nathaniel Fried leaving alongside Yusuf. Labour MP Polly Billington criticised the 'utter shambles' on Kent County Council, where Reform is in control, noting that over a third of council meetings have been cancelled this month.
