Is British sense of tolerance a myth?

This article is published in today's Northants Evening Telegraph:

Is British sense of tolerance a myth?

Kettering MP Philip Hollobone caused controversy this week with his comments about Muslims wearing the burka in public, suggesting they shouldn't be hiding their faces if they want to integrate into British culture.

His comments sparked hundreds of letters, emails and texts from readers, some agreeing with his views, some saying the burka should be banned.

Others said his comments were unnecessary and that there is no problem with women wearing the burka in public.

The debate raised the question, is wearing a burka a race, religious or cultural issue and also opened up more questions.

Do we live in a tolerant society, are we too tolerant or are we not tolerant enough?

As British citizens, if we travel abroad we are asked to abide by the traditions and social ethos of that country.

For example, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office gives guidelines for tourists travelling to Dubai.

They say: "Emiratis dress conservatively in traditional dress and can be offended when westerners dress inappropriately to Islamic values.

"In public places such as shopping malls, restaurants and parks you are encouraged to dress appropriate, shorts and skirts should be of appropriate length – be aware that if you enter one of these areas dressed inappropriately, you may be asked to leave the larger shopping malls."

Given these guidelines for Dubai, should we expect burkas not to be worn in the UK?

Comments left online were mixed.

Scoleman said: "This idea of England being a multicultural centre for community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity."

Roberto said: "I applaud Mr Hollobone for his bravery in speaking out about this appalling garment which should indeed be banned in public places."

Treacle Tart said: "At the end of the day it's each to their own when it comes to religion. If we go to an Islamic country we have to follow their beliefs and laws so in turn they should follow ours."

Flore said: "Suggesting that all Muslims who wish to practise their religion in their own way should leave the UK would amount to a fundamental breach of human rights.

"It should not be suggested that anyone, of any religion or social group, should leave the country in order to practise their religion. We should respect and value our society's diversity in all its form."

MP says Muslim women should have the right to choose their clothing

Banning women from wearing burkas would go against their freedom of choice, Labour MP for Northampton North Sally Keeble says.

The row over whether the full veil worn by Muslim women should be banned has resurfaced in the light of a proposal in France for the outfits to be outlawed.

It comes as polls have suggested one third of Britain's population would support a ban.

Mrs Keeble said it was important to ensure women were not being forced to wear the burka, but said they should be free to do so if it was their own choice.

She said: "Personally, although I have always done regular advice surgeries for all sections of the community, including for Muslim women, I have never met a woman in Northamptonshire wearing a burka. So this issue should be seen in context.

"Where people's faces need to be seen, for security, work or other similar purposes, then they should remove face coverings.

"However, if it is simply down to personal choice, then people should be able to dress as they like.

"While I don't share the religious beliefs, people are entitled to wear such clothing.

"Some forms of clothing are restrictive for women, and I find those very hard to accept because to me they symbolise discrimination against women.

"I think it is important to challenge the discrimination, which also means ensuring that women who wear such clothing do so of their own free choice."

"MPs have to deal with all their constituents whatever they wear."