Reform UK’s newest MP called for the burqa to be banned in Britain during PMQs. Sarah Pochin, the MP for Runcorn and Helsby, used her first question at the weekly Commons session to ask Sir Keir Starmer if he would follow other European countries that have made it illegal for people to cover their faces in public places.
She said: “Given the Prime Minister’s desire to strengthen strategic alignment with our European neighbours, will he, in the interests of public safety, follow the lead of France, Denmark, Belgium and others and ban the burqa?” Her question prompted an outraged reaction from some MPs in the House of Commons.
The Prime Minister appeared visibly taken aback before taking a swipe at Reform leader Nigel Farage over recent policy announcements by his party, including restoring winter fuel payments and scrapping the two-child benefit cap.
Sir Keir replied: “Can I welcome her to her place, but I’m not going to follow her down that line.
“But now she is here and safely in her place, perhaps she could tell her new party leader that his latest plan to bet £80 billion of unfunded tax cuts, with no idea how he’s going to pay for it, is Liz Truss all over again.
“Although considering I think she was a Conservative member when Liz Truss was leader, she probably won’t.”
It comes after Ms Pochin was elected as Reform’s fifth MP in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election last month.
She overturned a 14,696 majority to take the traditionally seat for Labour.